Sormani, Louis XVI style black lacquered and gilt bronze desk, 1914-1934

Sormani, signed.

Louis XVI style desk in black lacquered mahogany opening by three apron drawers. Sheaths legs moulded next to the apron and finishing by a gilt bronze sheath shape shoes.
Gilt bronzes ornamentation in shape of draperies holding by two rings at the four angles of the desk, the laterals drawers with gilt bronze handles in laurel torus shape and the central drawer with a gilt bronze keyhole adorned with acanthus leaves and gilt brass sticks on plate edges.
Tray covered with red leather hit with gilt irons with foliage motifs and draperies friezes on edges, foliaged scrolls on angles and on the centre.

Inscription inside the keyhole of the central drawer : “SORMANI PARIS 134, Bd Haussmann”.

Work from the early 20^th century.

Paul Sormani (1817-1877) was a French cabinetmaker who opened his first shop in 1847 and was specialized in manufacture of necessaries and small fantasy furniture. He moved in 1854 and began to make Louis XV and Louis XVI style furniture. The company moved a second time in 1867 and flourished thanks to the Parisian haute bourgeoisie and the Court who appreciated his work. Then, the Empress Eugenie made him orders to decorate her palaces.
He excelled in fruit woods marquetry and bronzes, which adorned his furniture, testify of a great chiselling quality which underline classical and elegant lines of his furniture.
He participated to the Universal Exhibitions in 1855 and 1867 in Paris and to London’s one in 1862 where he won a first class medal and a bronze medal. By his participation to different exhibitions, he established himself by showing his creativity and his know-how in traditional woodworking.
His wife and his son took up the company to his death and in 1914 the shop moved to 134 Boulevard Haussmann. The production stopped in 1934 at the son’s death.