Henry Dasson

The renowned Parisian maker of gilt-bronze mounted furniture, Henry Dasson, began his career as a bronze sculptor. Occasionally marbles with his signature have appeared on the art market. It is likely that these were made in his workshop at 106, rue Vielle du Temple, which specialised in the production of bronze artifacts and clocks. Dasson's success was such that he was made a Cheval de la Légion d'honneur in 1883 and was awarded the Grand Prix Artistique at the Paris 1889 Exposition Universelle.

This charming composition was also executed in bronze and appears to be inspired by a series of engravings of children capturing and caging birds by François Boucher (1703-1770). The sumptuous marble and ormolu base is characteristic of Dasson's specialism. Another marble version of the present model on a similar base was sold at Christie's New York on 24 April 2001 (lot 301).