Lot 32
32
A PAIR OF FRENCH ORMOLU-MOUNTED MAHOGANY, KINGWOOD AND VERNIS MARTIN VITRINE CABINETS-ON-STANDS
THE PROPERTY OF A GENTLEMAN 
A PAIR OF FRENCH ORMOLU-MOUNTED MAHOGANY, KINGWOOD AND VERNIS MARTIN VITRINE CABINETS-ON-STANDS

BY VEUVE PAUL SORMANI & FILS, PARIS, LAST QUARTER 19TH CENTURY

Details
A PAIR OF FRENCH ORMOLU-MOUNTED MAHOGANY, KINGWOOD AND VERNIS MARTIN VITRINE CABINETS-ON-STANDS
BY VEUVE PAUL SORMANI & FILS, PARIS, LAST QUARTER 19TH CENTURY
Each of rounded-rectangular outshape with three-quarter balustrade gallery, above a cupbard door finely painted with a Watteauesque scene, the interior with a single shelf, flanked by a glazed vitrine to each side, above a stand with a frieze drawer, on tapering square legs with quarter-veneered undertier and panelled back, the drawer lockplates engraved 'VVE P. SORMANI & FILS/10 r. Charlot, Paris'
59 in. (150 cm.) high; 37¾ in. (95.5 cm.) wide; 15½ in. (39.5 cm.) deep (2)
Provenance
Sotheby's, London, 10 September 2007, lot 279 (£50,900).

Brought to you by

Giles Forster
Giles Forster

Check the condition report or get in touch for additional information about this

+44 (0)20 7389 2146

If you wish to view the condition report of this lot, please sign in to your account.

Sign in
View condition report

Lot Essay

Born in the Kingdom of Lombardy, Venice, in 1817, Paul Sormani produced standard and fantasy furniture, described by himself as "meubles de luxe". Operating from large premises at 114, rue du Temple and, from 1867, at 10, rue Charlot, he specialised in reproducing styles of the Louis XV and XVI eras and his work was thought to reveal "une qualité d'exécution de tout premier ordre". His creations were frequently exhibited and rewarded at the major international exhibitions of the 1860s and 70s. On his death in 1877, the firm was renamed 'Veuve Paul Sormani & Fils' as it was taken over by his widow, Ursule-Marie-Philippine Bouvaist, and their son, Paul-Charles Sormani. After merging with Thiébaut Frères in 1914 it moved to 134, Boulevard Haussmann where it remained until it ceased trading in 1934.

More from 500 Years: Decorative Arts Europe

View All
View All