A Louis XV Style Gilt-Bronze and Marquetry Commode By Paul Sormani, Paris.
The serpentine shaped brêche d’Alep marble top above a bombé-shaped front with two drawers beautifully inlaid with foliate marquetry within acanthus cast frames with folate trails. The front angles with gilt-bronze rocaille clasps. Raised on cabriole legs.
Stamped to the carcass ‘SORMANI Paris’ and the upper drawer with brass plaque engraved ‘Paul SORMANI 10. r. Charlot Paris
France, Circa 1890.
The 18th century model of this commode is attributed to Bernard van Risenburgh II and was acquired by the Victoria and Albert Museum in 1882. Much admired as a definitive example of Louis XV period furniture it was replicated by contemporary 19th century makers including Beurdeley, Maison Secretant, and as here by Sormani, and later Linke, who all made versions decorated in lacquer or veneered in marquetry. The model and variants are discussed at length in C. Payne, ‘Paris Furniture – The Luxury Market of the 19th Century’, Editions Monelle Hayot, Paris, 2018 pp. 151-152.
C. Payne, ‘Paris Furniture – The Luxury Market of the 19th Century’, Editions Monelle Hayot, Paris, 2018 pp. 151-152.
By appointment only.
