349 - PAUL SORMANI

PAUL SORMANI SECRETARY DESK WITH A PAINTED PANEL, PAUL SORMANI FRANCE, PARIS, SECOND HALF OF THE 19TH CENTURY. A museum-quality secrétaire created in the Parisian workshop of Paul Sormani, representing an outstanding example of French furniture of the second half of the 19th century, executed in the spirit of Historicism with refined references to the Louis XV style. The carcass is made of solid wood and veneered with kingwood, carefully selected for its grain and tone and laid in a precise geometric pattern that emphasizes the architectural clarity of the form. The secrétaire stands on tall cabriole legs richly adorned with gilt-bronze mounts. The flowing curves of the legs and their bases are accentuated by bronze elements with vegetal motifs, lending the piece visual lightness and elegant dynamism. The principal artistic focal point is the large painted panel set into the fall-front, depicting classical lovers running toward a fountain, surrounded by cupids. Executed in the academic tradition, the composition displays finely modelled figures, soft chiaroscuro and a painterly depth of landscape background. The panel is framed by an elaborate gilt-bronze mount with rocaille scrolls, floral tendrils and corner mascarons in the form of female heads organically integrated into the decorative structure of the façade. Beneath the fall-front is a drawer decorated with undulating bronze foliage and refined handles. The interior is rationally and functionally arranged: the upper section divided by a shelf, the lower fitted with four small drawers in mahogany, two of which lock with a key. The writing surface is lined with green velvet, creating a noble contrast with the warm tones of the wood and gilt bronze. The upper section of the secrétaire is finished with a broad horizontal surface enclosed by an elegant gilt-bronze balustrade, reinforcing the ceremonial character of the piece and the completeness of its composition. The lockplate bears the maker’s signature with the Paris workshop address. Marks: Maker’s lockplate signed “Paul Sormani, 10 r. Charlot, Paris”. Dimensions: Height: 137 cm. Width: 87 cm. Depth: 39 cm. Condition: Good. Provenance: Private European collection. Width: 87cm, Height: 137cm, Depth: 39cm, Weight: 40kg, Condition: Exc., Usual restorations, Material: Wood painting, Wood, BRONZE, Gilded bronze, Mahogany, ID: ID-ANTQ-8351