Louis XVI style ormolu and mahogany bed by Paul Sormani

Executed to the highest quality, this mahogany bed is adorned with various decorative ormolu mounts. A ribbon-tied floral garland, with flambeau torch and a quiver of arrows decorates the arched headboard. Similar ormolu mounts adorn the front of the footboard, with further floral mounts framing the mahogany parquetry. The headboard and footboard are joined by rectangular stretchers.

Each of the four fluted pilasters attached on both ends of the headboard and footboard, includes gilt bronze mounts, in the form of, for example, garlands and foliage. The contrast between the various shades of brown of the mahogany paired together with the shining gold of the ormolu mounts makes this bed a visually striking addition to an interior space.  

Paul Sormani was the leading 19th century cabinetmaker. Born in Italy, Sormani moved to Paris in 1847, where he produced furniture pieces of the highest quality for an elite clientele, for example Emperor Napoleon III’s wife, Empress Eugenie. Sormani’s pieces are in the style of Louis XV as well as Louis XVI and this bed is an excellent demonstration of his exquisite skill set.  

Each element of the bed is stamped ‘Sormani Paris’.