Sormani Regency-style Flat Desk

Paul SORMANI, Paris: large flat all-veneered DESKTOP openingopening with three drawers in the waist. Leather top withlingotière. Rich bronze ornamentation such as espagnolettes on the uprightson the uprights, foliate pull handles, baguettes,and claw feet.Signed on the locks.Second half of the 19th century.(Very minor damage to the veneer, scratches to the top).H : 79 cm W : 183 cm D : 97 cmThe cabinetmaking firm founded by Paul Sormani (1817-1877) is one of theone of the great names in 19th-century Parisian art furniture.century. Originally from Lombardy, Sormani moved to Paris in 1847 and quicklyquickly developed a workshop renowned for the exceptional qualityand the finesse of its marquetry.Specializing in luxury furniture inspired by the Louis XV and Louis XVI stylesXV and Louis XVI styles, the company produced chests of drawers, desksand precious objects of great decorative richness. Its creations,very popular under the Second Empire, particularly seducingthe Empress Eugénie de Montijo, contributing to the company's reputationto the aristocracy and haute bourgeoisie. Awarded prizes at several international exhibitions in thethe 19th century, Sormani became a benchmark in the reinterpretationreinterpretation of 18th-century furniture. After the death of thethe company was continued by his widow and son under the nameunder the name "Veuve Sormani & Fils", continuing the family traditioninto the early 20th century.