We’re thrilled to have this exceptional Sormani piece back in our showroom on consignment. Works by Sormani are increasingly rare, particularly examples that retain their original mechanisms, label, and overall integrity like this one – making this a rare opportunity to acquire a fully realized piece by one of Paris’s most respected 19th-century cabinetmakers.
A Napoleon III style cylinder secretary desk by renowned designer Sormani, in burl Thuya wood with rosewood interior elements and extensive gilt bronze mounts throughout. The upper section is surmounted by a pierced gilt gallery above two drawers, all secured by a single working key that operates the full locking system. When turned, the spring-loaded cylinder front releases smoothly, opening to a fitted interior with multiple drawers, open compartments, and a royal blue mohair writing surface.
The case is shaped with serpentine sides and raised on cabriole legs mounted with finely cast gilt bronze mounts terminating in sabots. Additional ormolu mounts highlight the apron, corners, and drawer surrounds. The interior retains the maker’s label for Sormani, a noted Parisian ébéniste active in the mid-to-late 19th century.
Dimensions:
W: 34″
D: 23″
H: 42″
Italian born Paul Sormani (1817 – 1877) was a preeminent 19th Century cabinetmaker (ébéniste). He moved to Paris and established his workshop there in 1847 and soon began producing high quality items and luxury furniture. He specialised in reproducing Louis XV and XVI style pieces, which proved immensely popular with discerning European aristocracy. The Empress Eugenie, for example, who was wife of Emperor Napoleon III, chose to decorate her palaces with Sormani’s beautiful furniture.
Sormani frequently exhibited his impressive creations and was awarded prizes at all the major international exhibitions of the 1860s and 1870s.
