Rating and value of furniture, desks, chests of drawers by Paul Sormani
Key takeaways
- Paul Sormani (1817–1866), an Italian cabinetmaker based in Paris, has established himself as a sure bet on the market, thanks to the particular popularity of his Napoleon III-style pieces and his mastery of marquetry.
- Sormani furniture fetches a wide range of prices: chests of drawers from €710 to €86,720, writing desks from €800 to €6,000, and tables from €50 to €72,090, depending on their prestige and condition.
- His pieces are sought after worldwide, particularly in France and the United States, with auction records being set at an increasingly rapid pace among collectors.
If you own a work created by cabinetmaker Paul Sormani or based on his work and would like to know its value, our state-approved experts and auctioneers will guide you. Our specialists will carry out a free appraisal of your work, and provide you with a precise estimate of its value on today's market. Thereafter, if you wish to sell your work, we will direct you to the best possible arrangement to obtain the optimum price.
Designer's rating and value
Paul Sormani's works are enjoying new success thanks to the current revival of interest in antique styles. He has quickly established himself as an art market favorite. Today, his furniture is all the rage in auction rooms and attracts a large number of collectors. His pieces are mainly traded in France and the United States. A work by Sormani can fetch thousands of euros at auction. In 2010, a Louis XV commode fetched €86,720, while it was estimated at between €41,300 and €66,070.
Order of value from the most basic to the most prestigious
Technique used | Result |
|---|---|
Armoire | From €1,250 to €1,200 |
Secretary | From €800 to €6,000 |
Table | From €50 to €72 090€ |
Chest of drawers | From 710 to 86 720€ |
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The cabinetmaker's style and technique
Paul Sormani is part of the Transition period, which enjoyed great success at the end of the 18th century, being situated in the Napoleon III era. His work enjoyed a rapid and dazzling success, due to the elegant design of his furniture and his sense of aesthetics. He is particularly renowned for his mastery of marquetry.
Paul Sormani, Napoleon III-period cabinetmaker
Paul Sormani (1817-1866), was a cabinetmaker born in Canzo, Italy.
He was of Lombardo-Venetian origin. He probably arrived in Paris relatively early in his career, opening his first store in 1847, another in 1854, and a more permanent one on rue Charlot, in Paris's 3rd arrondissement, in 1867.
His creations, comprising various types of furniture : desks, chests of drawers, wardrobes, were initially inspired by the Louis XV and Louis XVI periods, whose characteristics were to be found in Napoleon III production, which operated a synthesis of the preceding styles. Empress Eugénie, who commissioned furniture from him, was a major factor in his success.
The cabinetmaker's son Paul-Charles took over the family business with his mother and collaborated with Édouard Lièvre, cabinetmaker and ornamentalist.
The legacy of Paul Sormani
Paul Sormani has left a notable legacy in the field of French cabinetmaking, with iconic pieces that are rare on the market and rarely found at record-breaking auctions. His work is characterized by great diversity and remarkable richness: secretaries, tables, desks... His creations are sought after for their exceptional quality.
Recognizing Paul Sormani's signature
Stumpff always stamps his furniture - however the inscription can be difficult to decipher, which is why expertise is important.
Expertise your property
If you own a work by Paul Sormani, don't hesitate to request a free appraisal by filling in our online form. A member of our team of experts and licensed auctioneers will contact you to provide an estimate of the market value of your work.
If you are considering selling your work, our specialists will also guide you through the various alternatives available to obtain the best possible price, taking into account market trends and the specific features of each work.
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Frequently asked questions
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Who is Paul Sormani, and what is his historical context?Paul Sormani (1817–1866) was a cabinetmaker of Lombard-Venetian origin who settled in Paris in 1847. He was active during the Transition and Napoleon III periods and established himself as a master of marquetry, drawing inspiration from the Louis XV and Louis XVI styles. His creations benefited from the prestige brought by commissions from Empress Eugénie, who contributed significantly to his success.
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What is the price range for Paul Sormani's furniture?Prices vary considerably depending on the type of furniture: wardrobes range from €1,200 to €1,250, writing desks from €800 to €6,000, tables from €50 to €72,090, and dressers from €710 to €86,720. The most prestigious and rare pieces can far exceed these estimates, particularly at auctions where record prices are being set one after another.
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How can I authenticate and have a work by Paul Sormani appraised?Sormani stamps his furniture, but the inscription can be difficult to decipher. For reliable authentication, we recommend requesting a free appraisal from Auctie's: a state-certified expert or auctioneer will examine your piece and provide you with an accurate estimate of its market value.
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Is this the right time to sell a piece of furniture by Paul Sormani?Yes, this is an excellent time: Paul Sormani’s works are experiencing a major resurgence in interest thanks to the current trend toward antique styles. His furniture has established itself as a safe bet on the market and is attracting many collectors, particularly in France and the United States, which is driving strong demand at auctions.
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How does the free appraisal at Auctie's work, and how do I sell my furniture?Appraisals at Auctie's are free and non-binding: simply fill out an online form, and a certified expert or auctioneer will contact you within 48 hours to provide you with an appraisal. If you decide to sell, our specialists will guide you toward the best option for achieving the highest possible price, taking into account market trends and the specific characteristics of your artwork.
