French Ormolu Candelabra Pair by Henry Dasson

Description A pair of French ormolu candelabra by Henry Dasson, dated 1880. Each candelabrum is cast in gilt bronze in the Louis XIV style, with a central hexagonal column supporting six scrolling candle arms in a tiered arrangement around a baluster stem. The columns feature alternating panels decorated with classical motifs, animals, and stylised foliage, surmounted by flamed finials. The shaped bases are enriched with shells and acanthus, offering architectural stability and decorative weight. Both retain their original candle sconces and fire-gilded finish, with exceptionally fine surface detail. Each is signed Henry Dasson to the base and dated 1880. Dasson (1825-1896) was one of the most respected bronziers of 19th century France, celebrated for his reinterpretations of 17th and 18th century decorative forms. His work was exhibited at the Exposition Universelle and remains highly sought after for its design and technical excellence. An important pair with good provenance by a major Parisian maker, offering decorative scale and period quality. View the full Decorative Antiques collection. Measurements 65.5cm High x 36cm Wide x 36cm Deep (25.8 x 13.8 Inches) Condition Very Good, the candelabras are in untouched condition with the original gilding to the bronze, there is rubbing in areas consistent with the dateline from cleaning. Provenance Private Estate Vienna, Austria supplied by Galleria Camiciotti, Florence, Italy Galleria Camiciotti Galleria Camiciotti is located in Florence Italy and has been offering strict French furniture and objects since 1967. Originally founded by Ugo Camiciotti his grandson Stefano now runs the Gallery known as a little corner of France in the heart of Florence. WHo was HENRY DASSON (C. 1825-1896)? Dasson was a nineteenth century Parisian maker of gilt-bronze mounted furniture. He started his career as a bronze sculptor before moving into cabinetmaking. This allowed a large dominance over other furniture makers of the time due to his extremely high quality bronze work. Dasson is regarded as one of the best and most influential furniture makers of the second half of the 19th century. For further information see our Makers and Retailers page on Henry Dasson. What is Ormolu? Ormolu is the technique of applying finely ground, high-carat gold–mercury amalgam to an object of bronze. The mercury is driven off in a kiln leaving behind a gold coating. The French refer to this technique as bronze doré and in English it is often referred to as gilt bronze. It is a finishing technique which adds an overall gold look to any object without the massive cost and impracticality of making an object out of solid gold. Mercury was outlawed in the 1830’s in France however it was still used until the early 1900s. WHAT IS BRONZE? Bronze is an alloy primarily composed of copper with around 12% tin, often combined with other elements such as aluminium, zinc, or phosphorus to enhance strength and durability. Its unique composition allows it to capture fine surface detail, making it one of the most widely used materials in sculpture and design for millennia. First developed as early as 4650 BCE, with early examples found in Iran and Serbia, bronze was prized across ancient civilisations for both functional and decorative use. In the 19th century, cold-painted bronze became popular in Vienna, where artists like Franz Xaver Bergmann added rich colour layers without firing. The patina, texture, and craftsmanship of antique bronze ensure its ongoing appeal to collectors today. For further information please see our article Bronze Sculpture: History, Composition, and Casting Techniques. Who was Louis XIV (1638-1715)? known as Louis the Great and the Sun King was King of France from 1643 until his death in 1715. His verified reign of 72 years and 110 days is the longest of any sovereign.  What is a Candelabra? is a candle holder with multiple arms that may be placed on any surface. WHY BUY FROM JACKSONS ANTIQUE? At Jacksons Antique, we are a small family-run business with over 10 years of experience in the fine antiques trade. We are proud members of LAPADA (The Association of Art & Antiques Dealers) and CADA (The Cotswold Art & Antique Dealers’ Association), trusted by collectors, interior designers, and private clients worldwide. Every piece we offer is individually sourced, carefully researched, and fully authenticated, accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. We provide insured worldwide shipping and secure checkout via Stripe, a global payments provider trusted by companies including Amazon and Booking.com. With every order, you will receive our latest printed product guide, a certificate of authenticity, and full tracking details so you can follow your item from dispatch to delivery. For complete peace of mind, we also offer a no-hassle money-back guarantee. We provide flexible layaway options and a level of personal service that larger retailers simply cannot match. When you buy from Jacksons Antique, you are supporting sustainable, environmentally conscious collecting and helping to preserve historic objects rather than contribute to mass production. Sign up to our free monthly newsletter to enjoy ten percent off your first online purchase.