Console - Mahogany And Gilt Bronze - P. Sormani (atb) - France - 19th Century

Mahogany, gilt bronze and Brèche d'Alep marble console table, attributed to Paul Sormani*, dating from the 19th century. The console table is raised by slender, fluted, tapered circular supports with attractive gilt bronze topiate sabots and finely detailed foliate candlesticks. Each support is joined by two highly decorative shelves, each decorated with a geometrically pierced gilt bronze gallery and featuring a mahogany back panel that highlights the beautiful grain of the wood. The straight apron has elegant concave sides decorated with richly chased and foliate detailed gilt bronze plaques. It is centered by a drawer that opens to reveal the hardware. Above is the original Brèche d'Alep marble top, framed by a geometrically pierced gilt bronze gallery. France 19th century Paul SORMANI Paul Sormani, renowned cabinetmaker and chaser, decorated his furniture with rich decoration of chased and gilded bronzes. Coming from Italy to settle in France, it was from 1854, rue du Temple, that he developed the manufacture of furniture of a quality of execution of the highest order inspired by the styles of Louis XV and Louis XVI. Then from 1867, established rue Charlot, Sormani knew the consecration, becoming one of the great names of cabinetmaking of the Second Empire. The Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III, decorated her palaces with beautiful creations by Paul Sormani. His Louis XV and XVI style furniture was highly sought after among the Parisian upper middle class.