An Important Marquetry Cabinet on Stand
In the Louis XIII Manner
By Paul Sormani of Paris

- This cabinet is made by Paul Sormani, a preeminent Italian-born cabinetmaker who established himself as a master of luxury furniture in Paris

- Features rare and luxurious materials including palmwood crossbanding and fuitwood inlays

- Classic Louis XIII Revival design

Constructed from ebony, inlaid with fruitwoods, and crossbanded with palmwood; supported on flattened bun feet, the lower platform inlaid with a foliate lozenge which is echoed on the back panel, the front with tapering columns rising to the frieze drawer itself supporting the cabinet of slight breakfront proportions defined by a central bank of five drawers flanked by doors, opening to reveal a tulipwood lined and shelved interior; the whole profusely inlaid in well-executed floral and geometric marquetry in pleasing contrasting tones. The lockplate signed ‘Sormani Paris.’
French, circa 1870

Paul Sormani (1817-1877) was a preeminent Italian-born cabinetmaker who moved to Paris in 1847 and quickly established himself as a master of luxury furniture. He opened his first workshop in Paris that year, and later settled in Rue Charlot in 1867, where he produced high-quality items of standard and fantasy furniture described as "meubles de luxe." Sormani's exquisite craftsmanship, use of rare woods, gilded bronze decorations, and Boulle style inlays attracted the attention of the French aristocracy, including Empress Eugenie, who commissioned him for her royal residences. Sormani's work earned him numerous awards and accolades, including medals at the Paris and London Expositions. His workshop remained in business until 1934, a testament to his lasting legacy as one of the most important ébénistes of his time.