Louis XVI-style flat desk in mahogany, mahogany veneer, chas - Lot 108

Louis XVI-style flat desk in mahogany, mahogany veneer, chased and gilded bronzes, opening with a drawer in the waist. The top is sheathed in gilded black leather and encircled by a molded gallery. The recessed belt is adorned with acanthus friezes, frames and rosettes. It stands on fluted tapered legs with brass-decorated fluted ferrules and leafy set hooves. The lock is engraved: P. SORMANI Paris-10, rue Charlot. Paris. 19th century, circa 1870. Dimensions: 74.5 x 120.5 x 70.5 cm. Missing drawer pull ring on the simulated drawer. Paul Sormani (1817-1877) was a famous cabinetmaker of Lombardy origin, and furniture maker of the Second Empire and early Third Republic. He successfully participated in several major events, including the 1855 Exposition Universelle, where he was awarded a first-class medal. From 1867 onwards, he established a workshop at 10 rue Charlot in Paris, where he produced furniture of the highest quality, inspired by the Louis XV and Louis XVI styles. Paul Sormani's success came when Empress Eugénie commissioned him to decorate her palaces with beautiful creations. Expert : Stéphane Pépe