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Learn MorePair of Bronze and Marble Busts by Henry Dasson and C. Caccia
- This extraordinary pair of 19th-century busts unites marble and bronze to incredible effect
- The sculptures are a highly rare collaboration between the acclaimed Henry Dasson and C. Caccia
- The busts remain together as an original pair, a significant rarity for works of this type
- Henry Dasson was among the most accomplished Parisian bronziers of his era
- Get complete item description here
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Dated 1883 and 1885
This exceptional pair of Orientalist busts represents a highly rare collaboration between Italian sculptor C. Caccia and the celebrated French bronzier Henry Dasson. Executed in 1883 and later mounted on ormolu and Campan Grand Melange marble plinths by Dasson in 1885, works combining these materials are seldom encountered, and their preservation as an original pair is rarer still. Together, the. . .
Dated 1883 and 1885
This exceptional pair of Orientalist busts represents a highly rare collaboration between Italian sculptor C. Caccia and the celebrated French bronzier Henry Dasson. Executed in 1883 and later mounted on ormolu and Campan Grand Melange marble plinths by Dasson in 1885, works combining these materials are seldom encountered, and their preservation as an original pair is rarer still. Together, the busts exemplify the height of late 19th-century European fascination with Orientalist subjects, rendered with remarkable naturalism and technical refinement.
The figures are rendered in richly polished dark bronze and their clothing carved in luminous white marble, creating a striking interplay of tone and texture. The finely sculpted drapery cascades in soft folds around each sitter’s shoulders, contrasting beautifully with the faces, whose features reveal the sculptor’s impressive skill.
C. Caccia was active in Italy during the late 19th century, a period marked by technical virtuosity and academic rigor in marble sculpture. The subsequent marble plinths by Henry Dasson situate these works firmly within the highest echelon of decorative arts production in Paris. Dasson was renowned for his collaborations with leading sculptors and for supplying objects to elite collectors and institutions across Europe. The distinguished provenance of this pair, formerly in the collection of Sir Arthur Gilbert, underscores their importance; Gilbert was among the most influential collectors of decorative arts of the twentieth century, with major gifts to institutions including The Victoria & Albert Museum.
Man: 17 1/2“ high x 14” wide x 8 1/2“ deep
Woman: 17“ high x 13” wide x 8 1/2“ deep
Provenance: Sir Arthur Gilbert Collection
Sale of the above, Christie’s New York, 23 April 2004, lot 31
Private Collection
Private Collection, London
M.S. Rau, New Orleans
At M.S. Rau, we are committed to building a long-term, rewarding relationship with each and every client. That’s why your purchase is backed by our 125% guarantee.
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