Royalty’s favorite, Paul Sormani is considered among the most important ebenistes of the 19th century, one of the few who truly mastered the Louis XV and XVI styles. Italian by birth, Sormani opened his first shop in Paris in 1847 and quickly attracted the attention of the young Empress Eugenie who commissioned a number of pieces for her Royal residences. The Empress’ patronage, along with the accolades and medals garnered at the 1855 Paris Exposition Universelle quickly catapulted Sormani to the top. Another medal at the 1862 London Exposition confirmed the stellar status of the Sormani workshop. The business remained viable until 1934, although Sormani himself died in 1877 leaving his wife and son at the helm.

Sormani furnishings are distinguished by the superior quality of the bronze chasing and gilding and the overall proportion and form.  Most Sormani pieces are engraved on the lockplate with the firm’s mark.