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Bronze French Paul Sormani Parquetry Inlaid Walnut Desk
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Fine Quality Dore
Bronze French Paul Sormani Parquetry Inlaid Walnut Desk
$15,995
£12,143.10
€13,999.02
CA$22,627.13
A$24,360.17
CHF 13,045.35
MX$293,531.37
NOK 164,596.10
SEK 150,632.01
DKK 104,606.24
About the Item
Paul Sormani Louis XV Bronze-Mounted Writing Desk – Exceptional Quality
Parisian Craftsmanship
Presenting a superb Louis XV–style bronze-mounted writing desk attributed to Paul Sormani, one of the most celebrated ébénistes of 19th-century Paris. This exquisite bureau plat features finely inlaid kingwood and rosewood parquetry, gracefully curved cabriole legs, and richly chased ormolu mounts including acanthus flourishes, sabots, and escutcheons of the highest quality.
The desk’s shapely silhouette, serpentine front, and gently undulating apron encapsulate the essence of Louis XV design, while the exquisite bronze mounts—crisp, heavy, and meticulously detailed—reflect the unmistakable standards of the Sormani atelier. The leather writing surface is beautifully patinated, framed by a gilt-trimmed border, adding elegance and authenticity. Multiple dovetailed drawers provide practical storage within a true work of art.
This piece is ideal for collectors, decorators, and connoisseurs seeking museum-level Parisian craftsmanship, timeless French luxury, and historically important furniture.
Biography of Paul Sormani (1817–1877)
Paul Sormani was one of the most important cabinetmakers of the Second Empire in France. Born in Italy, he established his Paris workshop in 1847 and quickly earned a reputation for producing furniture of extraordinary refinement, often inspired by the 18th-century masters—Riesener, Boulle, Oeben, and Weisweiler.
Sormani’s work was showcased at the major international expositions of the 1850s–1870s, where he received numerous medals and prestigious commissions. His furniture, signed “P. Sormani, Paris”, was favored by the French aristocracy and the court of Empress Eugénie, who admired his impeccable craftsmanship and historical accuracy.
After his passing in 1877, his wife and son continued the firm under the name Sormani
Fils, preserving the legacy of one of the greatest ébénistes of the 19th century. Today, Sormani’s pieces are highly sought after by collectors and regularly appear in important museums and fine collections worldwide.
Measures 45.5 wide x 29.75 tall x 24.5 deep
- Creator:Paul Sormani (Cabinetmaker)
- Dimensions:Height: 29.75 in (75.57 cm)Width: 45.5 in (115.57 cm)Depth: 24.5 in (62.23 cm)
- Style:Louis XV (In the Style Of)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1850
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Good original condition. Bronze has been professionally polished. Minor signs of age and use as to be expected.
- Seller Location:Swedesboro, NJ
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU2091347793052
Paul Sormani
Paul Sormani, counted among the most elite Parisian ébénistes of the 19th century, used the foundation of Louis XV and XVI styles for his meubles de luxe (luxurious furnishings).
Sormani received enormous attention as one of Paris’ finest and most influential ébénistes and earned worldwide acclaim by displaying his pieces at many of the world’s leading exhibitions. At the 1867 Exhibition Universelle in Paris the celebrated designer received an award and was described in the exhibition journal as “...a distinguished ébéniste of Paris, whose works deservedly attracted the attention of the public, and received the marked approval of the connoisseur.”
Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III, decorated her palaces with beautiful creations by Paul Sormani whose designs were of a select few favored by the Empress. Revivals of Louis XV and XVI pieces were in high demand among affluent Parisians, and Sormani created many of the finest and most important furnishings of the period.
Find authentic Paul Sormani case pieces and storage cabinets, tables and other furniture on 1stDibs.
(Biography provided by M.S. Rau)
About the Seller
4.9
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Established in 1972
1stDibs seller since 2016
1,204 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: <1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Swedesboro, NJ
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