Antique French gilt bronze and mahogany bed by Paul Sormani

Antique French gilt bronze and mahogany bed by Paul Sormani
French, c. 1870
Height 178cm, width 176cm, depth 214cm
 
Decorated with various ormolu (gilt bronze) mounts and beautifully crafted from mahogany, the bed was made in France by Paul Sormani (1817-1877). He was a leading 19th century cabinetmaker who produced furniture pieces for an elite clientele such as Empress Eugenie. Sormani’s pieces are characterised by their inspiration by the Louis XV and Louis XVI styles, and the bed in Mayfair Gallery’s collection is a superb example of that.
 
The arched headboard is adorned with a ribbon-tied floral garland, a quiver of arrows as well as a flambeau torch. The front of the footboard is mounted with similar motifs, in addition to floral mounts which frame the exquisite mahogany parquetry.
 
The headboard and footboard are joined by rectangular stretchers, and each includes two fluted pilasters. Intricate ormolu mounts in shapes such as garlands adorn each one. The composition created with the deep brown of mahogany and the shining gold of ormolu is eye-catching and ensures the bed is guaranteed to bring elegance and sophistication to any interior space.
 
Each part of the bed is stamped with ‘Sormani Paris’ testifying to their renowned Italian maker.
 
Artist/ Maker: Paul Sormani