Object History
This large circular centre table is a magnificent example of Henry Dasson’s mastery of the ‘Boulle’ technique. It can be compared to ‘Boulle’ tables that Dasson made for Sir Richard Wallace at Hertford House, of Wallace Collection fame.
Dasson it primarily thought of as a copyist of the highest order, making supremely fine furniture after important eighteenth-century models in the Louis XIV, XV and XVI styles. He also however interpreted the French historical styles to create new designs which captured the essence of ancien regime furniture, yet updated it for late nineteenth century tastes. In this way, the present table evokes the Louis XIV’s style of André-Charles Boulle, but details such as the elongated arched stretcher supports and the large scale of the table, identify it as a creation from the 1870/90s.
Dasson’s mastery of the ‘Boulle’ technique is revealed by the sales of his models and pattern books held following the cessation of his business. The 1ère Vente H. Dasson et Cie., held 9-12 October 1894 of ‘Modèles pour bronzes d’art, Meubles de Style et Grand Décoration’ includes mention of at least ten pieces after ‘Boulle’ including # 369 ‘Grand Armoire Louis XIV de Boulle’ from the Mobilier National, # 390 ‘Commode Louis XIV par Boulle’ from the Château de Fontainebleu and # 439 ‘Grand Table Louis XIV, marquetry de Boulle’ for the Collection Richard Wallace. Another sale of Dasson’s modèles was held ten days later, 23-27 October 1894, and included more pieces in the style of Boulle.
‘Boulle’ furniture by Dasson is most prized and brings high prices. A pair of ‘Boulle’ marquetry cabinets sold recently at auction for 448,100 euros (Sotheby’s, Paris, 30 June 2021, lot 130). Closely related to the present centre table, is a rectangular writing table in a private collection. It has similar marquetry frieze and legs and is signed and dated 1879.
