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Lot Essay
This floral marquetry table with ingenious sliding drawer and vanity mirror is inspired by the tables à mecanisme made by Jean-François Oeben from the mid-1750s. Oeben was renowned for his mechanical furniture and, having executed a wheelchair fitted with all kind of devices for the young and ailing Duc de Bourgogne, the King's eldest grandson, was made ébéniste mecanicien du roi in 1760.
Born in the Kingdom of Lombardy, Venice, in 1817, Paul Sormani produced standard and fantasy furniture, described by himself as "meubles de luxe". Operating from large premises at 114, rue du Temple and, from 1867, at 10, rue Charlot, he specialised in reproducing styles of the Louis XV and XVI eras and his work was thought to reveal "une qualité d'exécution de tout premier ordre". His creations were frequently exhibited and rewarded at the major international exhibitions of the 1860s and 70s. On his death in 1877, the firm was taken over by his widow, Ursule-Marie-Philippine Bouvaist, who, known as 'Veuve Sormani' was joined and later succeeded by her son.
Born in the Kingdom of Lombardy, Venice, in 1817, Paul Sormani produced standard and fantasy furniture, described by himself as "meubles de luxe". Operating from large premises at 114, rue du Temple and, from 1867, at 10, rue Charlot, he specialised in reproducing styles of the Louis XV and XVI eras and his work was thought to reveal "une qualité d'exécution de tout premier ordre". His creations were frequently exhibited and rewarded at the major international exhibitions of the 1860s and 70s. On his death in 1877, the firm was taken over by his widow, Ursule-Marie-Philippine Bouvaist, who, known as 'Veuve Sormani' was joined and later succeeded by her son.