A fine Louis XIV style gilt bronze, pewter, and tortoiseshell mounted ebonized première partie meuble d'appui
Paul Sormani
after a model by André Charles Boulle (1642-1732)
fourth quarter 19th century
Paul Sormani
after a model by André Charles Boulle (1642-1732)
fourth quarter 19th century
The verde antico rectangular marble top over a gilt acanthus and floral banded frieze above a portrait medallion of Louis XIV inscribed LVDOVICCS MAGNUS FRAN ET NAV REX PP flanked by laurel crowned putti and husked swags over a central door inlaid with pewter urn and floral marquetry, the side panels inlaid with festooned lambrequins, each side with four inlaid drawers ending in spiral toupie feet, signed Paul Sormani 10 rue Charlot, Paris.
height 45in (114.3cm); width 33 1/2in (85cm); depth 16 1/2in (42cm)
height 45in (114.3cm); width 33 1/2in (85cm); depth 16 1/2in (42cm)
Sold for
US$ 146,000
inc. premium
Footnotes
- Paul Sormani (1817-1866) began his career as a tabletier, an artisan who created inlaid and leather-lined boxes, writing tables and other small luxury items. After emigrating to Paris from Lombardy, he established the firm in 1847, which upon his death was taken over by his widow and son, Paul Charles. At this time the firm moved to the rue Charlot and underwent considerable expansion, and continued to do so under the direction of Paul Charles after he took over the sole direction of the company in 1886. Along with firms like Krieger and Jansen, Sormani became one of the most diversified makers of high-quality furnishings and decorations in late nineteenth and early twentieth century Paris. The firm was eventually sold to Thiébaux in 1909, and continued operations on the Boulevard Haussmann until 1935.
The meuble d'appui offered here follows the original model by André Charles Boulle more faithfully than does lot 1176 in this catalogue, in the decoration of central panel, the inscription to the bronze portrait medallion, and the use of première partie marquetry for all surfaces, for example. This meticulous attention to detail, as well as the care lavished on the interior as well as the visible portions of this piece, are all hallmarks of Sormani at the peak of their production.
For more information about the original model by Boulle, please see lot 1176.
Literature:
Camille Mestdagh, L'Ameublement d'art français 1850-1900, Les Editions de l'Amateur, 2010.
Category: Furniture / General Furniture
Auction terms and conditions