Lot Essay
Henry Dasson (d. 1896) is recorded as having worked in Paris at 106, rue Vieille-du-Temple. Dasson specialized in reproducing a wide range of furniture and objets d'art of high quality in the style of Louis XIV, XV and XVI, often directly copying known pieces. He purchased the firm of the ébéniste Charles Winckelsen upon his death in 1870, and produced an impressive range of pieces for the Paris Expositions from 1878 until 1895. The firm's output was distinquished particularly by the fine quality of its ormolu mounts. The business continued until 1894, when a sale of remaining stock was held.
The present wall appliques are closely related to a pair originally supplied on 18 May 1805 for the dining-room at the Petit Trianon by the bronzier-doreur, Antoine-André Ravrio. In July of the same year the same pair were moved to Fontainebleau and hung in Empress Eugnie's dining-room. A pair of appliques of this model were sold in the 'Vente H. Dasson & Cie.', Hotel Drouot, Paris, 10-12 December 1894, lot 88, 1,080 francs and another pair at Christie's New York, 29 October 2002, lot 47, sold for $17,925.
The present wall appliques are closely related to a pair originally supplied on 18 May 1805 for the dining-room at the Petit Trianon by the bronzier-doreur, Antoine-André Ravrio. In July of the same year the same pair were moved to Fontainebleau and hung in Empress Eugnie's dining-room. A pair of appliques of this model were sold in the 'Vente H. Dasson & Cie.', Hotel Drouot, Paris, 10-12 December 1894, lot 88, 1,080 francs and another pair at Christie's New York, 29 October 2002, lot 47, sold for $17,925.