Large antique gilt and patinated bronze clock set by Dasson

The set is composed of a mantel clock, which is flanked by two candelabra. The clock stands on a shaped ormolu (gilt bronze) base, which is decorated with pierced trelliswork panels, acanthus leaf mounts, and a central foliate cartouche, with a classical mask at its centre. This base is placed on four feet. Topping the base are four patinated bronze sculptures of putti, who represent the four seasons. Together, these semi-nude putti hold up an ormolu cercle tournant clock dial, which is designed like a globe, and encircled by a central white enamel band with black Arabic Numbers and Roman Numerals. The globe is surmounted by an ormolu sculpture of a rooster with an owl crushed under its foot. This is the Gallic rooster, a symbol of the France and the French Republic.

Flanking the mantel clock are a pair of candelabra. Like the clock, these stand on shaped ormolu bases, decorated with pierced designs, foliage and cartouches, and each set on four feet. Each candelabrum takes the form of a full-length, semi-nude putto, their bodies partially covered by draperies. One putto looks up to the right, and the other gazes down to the ground. Each holds a pair of ormolu lights, which are cast as flowers, in full bloom.

All three pieces of this clock set are signed ‘Henry Dasson’, and the clock is dated ‘1881’. Henry Dasson was one of the leading craftsmen of the 19^th Century. Dasson is principally known as a cabinetmaker, but he began his career as a sculptor, working in bronze. Dasson’s artistic bronzes are often beautifully designed and of an exceptionally high quality, as evinced in this clock set.

Clock: Height 98cm, width 54cm, depth 40cm
Candelabra: Height 100cm, width 46cm, depth 30cm