An Exceptional And Important Late 19th Century Gilt Bronze Mounted Kingwood Desk

An Exceptional And Important Late 19th Century Gilt Bronze Mounted Kingwood Desk

By Henry Dasson

After the 18th century model of Antoine Gaudreaux”s “Commode Medallier”.

Stamped H. Dasson 1878.

The commode, upon which this magnificent desk is based, was supplied by Antoine Gaudreaux, the Kings ébéniste, in 1739 to Versailles for the Cabinet Interieur of Louis XV, and employed mounts by the renowned Jacques Caffiéri.

It was designed to house the King’s ‘medallic history’, with fourteen drawers containing medals commemorating the important events of Louis XV’s reign. A purpose reflected in the gilt bronze medallions that embellished the lavish design.

The design for the Commode Médallier is attributed to Sébastien Slodtz, possibly in collaboration with his brother Paul-Ambroise. Sébastien Slodtz was one of the originators of the Rococo style, and from 1750 to 1754 he was Dessinateur de la Chambre et du Cabinet du Roi.

Slodtz and Antoine Gaudreaux are known to have produced two remarkable commodes in collaboration together, the Commode Médallier and another exceptional commode supplied for Louis XV’s bedchamber, now in the Wallace collection.

Antoine Robert Gaudreaux (1680-1751) was not only ébéniste to Louis XV but also Superintendant of his buildings, and in this capacity contributed to the interior decoration of the Bibliothèque du Roi and theTullieries Palace.

The Nineteenth Century was to see a great revival in the rococo taste and a renewed interest in the masterpieces produced during Louis XV’s reign. Cabinetmakers began to create new interpretations of many of the most famous examples from the Royal Palaces, working in a sympathetic style and employing superb craftsmanship, in many cases equal to that of the original. One of the most highly praised of these workshops was that of Henry Dasson.

Dasson exhibited a number of items to great acclaim at the 1878 Paris Exposition Universelle in both the Louis XV and Louis XVI styles, as well as pieces of his own modified Eighteenth Century design.

The incredibly high costs of producing a piece as complex as this desk, with such exceptional quality and expensive bronze mounts, would prevent any nineteenth century ébéniste from taking on such a project, except as a special commission for a highly important client, or as an exhibition piece. That this desk is dated 1878 would suggest that Dasson may have created it as a ‘show stopper’ for the Exposition Universelle.

Henry Dasson was considered one of the finest makers of gilt bronze mounted furniture in the nineteenth Century. He established a workshop at 106 rue Vieille-du-Temple, Paris, and specialised in the production of Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI style furniture using the very finest ormolu mounts with the highest quality mercury gilding. In 1871, Dasson purchase Charles-Guillaume Winckelsen business and remaining stock.

Dasson exhibited at the 1878 and 1889 Paris Exhibition. He displayed Louis XV and XVI styles as well as pieces of his own modified eighteenth century design. The exhibits in 1878 included a table entirely in gilt bronze, purchased by Lord Dudley.
Details:

Height – 32 inches / 81cm
Width – 69 inches / 175cm
Depth – 37 inches / 94cm
Maker – Henry Dasson