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)
Large French Louis XV Console Table in Natural Wood, Mid-18th Century
Located in Pistoia, IT
An imposing wall-mounted console table in waxed natural wood with a veined marble top, from the French provinces, mid-18th century. This large console table made of natural wood fe...
Marble
French cabinet Marqueterie Boulle signed "SUSSE Frères" Napoleon III era
By Susse Freres
Located in Pistoia, IT
Exceptional Boulle inlay coin set bearing the signature "Susse Frères," Paris, Napoleon III era, circa 1870. This rare jewel belongs to the luxurious production of the Victor and...
Bronze
18th-Century Bolognese Rococo Console Table in Gilded Wood with Masquerade Mask
Located in Pistoia, IT
Extraordinary Rococo-style console table, Bologna, 18th century. The piece stands out for its richly decorated, fully openwork panel beneath the top, dominated at the center by a ...
Scagliola, Wood, Giltwood
Small French Chest of Drawers, Lacquered with Chinese-inspired Motifs, Louis XV Style
Located in Pistoia, IT
Small lacquered "sauteuse" chest of drawers in the Louis XV style from the Napoleon III period, France, second half of the 19th century. The piece is entirely finished with a glossy...
Wood
Inlaid Coin Box from Augsburg with "Crazy Herbs" Design, Germany, 17th Century
Located in Pistoia, IT
Rare and valuable collectible coin cabinet richly inlaid in precious woods, Augsburg manufacture, second half of the 17th century. The coin cabinet opens with a drop front that rev...
Wood
Rare pair of Inlaid Chairs, Veneto, first quarter of the 18th century
Located in Pistoia, IT
Rare pair of chairs, Veneto, first quarter eighteenth century era. Made of walnut, they have the front richly inlaid with cherry feather and olive burl, with a bouquet of flowers i...
Wood
French inlaid and parquetry work table, 19th century Napoleon III
Located in Houston, TX
This French Napoleon III work table, dating to the mid-19th Century, is a versatile and highly decorative antique that offers beauty, history, and everyday usefulness. A beautifully ...
Walnut
Period French Napoleon III Mahogany Bonheur Du Jour Antique Ladies Writing Desk
Located in Forney, TX
A charming Napoleon III Second Empire Period (1852-1870) mahogany Bonheur Du Jour de dame(ladies writing desk) circa 1860 Hand-crafted in France the third quarter of the 19th centur...
Leather, Mahogany
French Louis XV style inlaid writing table
Located in Cesena, FC
French Louis XV style inlaid writing table French writing table, elegant in form, Louis XV style, with drawer and decorative bronzes in the legs and contour of the top. Era: late 18...
Bronze
Desk in Wood, 1900, Made in France
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Logistics and International Shipping We provide a comprehensive export service so that your only concern is enjoying your acquisition. • Door-to-Door Service: Pieces located in our A...
Bronze
Paul Sormani Exotic Amboyna Work Table
By Paul Somani
Located in London, by appointment only
Exceptional 19th century work table by Parisian ébénist, Paul Sormani. France, circa 1870 Measures: Width 59cm - 23.25in Depth 41cm - 16.2in Height 73cm - 28.75in - Incredib...
Amboyna
French Game Table Napoleon III Period - Louis XV Style - 19th Century - France
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Very nice game table on high legs style Louis XV from the Napoleon 3 period of the 19th century. The wood is finely inlaid with floral and vegetal motifs. The legs are curved, the tips of the legs are in metal, while metal decorations are present on the tops of the legs. The table opens to the depth and rotates to the length. The game board, once opened, is held in place by a drawer that opens on the right side (also serving as storage for the games). The table top measures 116cm (45.6 inch) x 58cm (22.8 inch) Very fine and sophisticated work, this table will give elegance to any type of interior decoration. The Louis XIV style is a furnishing style covering more or less the period of the reign of Louis XIV (1661 to 1715). This style is characterized by the majesty and richness of its furnishings. The Louis XIV style follows the Louis XIII style. The furniture is increasingly luxurious, but unlike previous styles, it is almost no longer inspired by architecture. There are two kinds of furniture: ceremonial furniture richly decorated with veneers and inlays (especially with André-Charles Boulle), solid giltwood and bourgeois furniture in solid wood. The style is characterized above all by its absolute symmetry and an important and ostentatious Dimension. The Louis XIV style is of Italian and ancient inspiration. The style emerged with the advent of the reign of Louis XIV in 1661 and lasted until the end of the 17th century. In 1690, on the death of Lebrun, decorator to the King, the style declined and was gradually replaced by the Regency style. The Palace of Versailles is obviously extremely and lastingly marked by the Louis XIV style. His long reign made it possible to impose the unique style of the Grand...
Wood
