Handbook language :
The grandness and luxury of French design culminate in this partner's desk and multiple-drawer cartonnier, crafted by master cabinetmaker Paul Sormani. Sormani created this exceptional work after the model by Simon Oeben, one of the most successful ébénistes of the 18th century. The original set, made circa 1765, belonged to the Duc de Choiseul-Praslin, Prime Minister for Louis XV, and can be recognized in one of the gouaches by Van Blarenberghe of the interiors of Choiseul's house, circa 1770. The contents of Choiseul's house were sold in 1796 and Oeben's model was purchased by the Duke of Hamilton. In turn, the Duc d'Aumale purchased the same cartonnier from the Hamilton Palace sale of 1882 and it now resides in the Musée Condé at the Chateau de Chantilly. The piece is illustrated in French Furniture Makers by Alexander Pradere. An identical cartonnier was exhibited by Paul Sormani at the 1900 Paris Exhibition.

Adorned with majestic ormulu bronze and intricate marquetry of amaranth, satinwood and oeil de vermeil, the incredible partner's desk features a gilt tooled brown leather writing surface set within quarter veneered satine. Three frieze drawers are set on each side, with one lock plate signed "Sormani Á Paris." The outstanding artistry flows gracefully onto the matching cartonnier. Once used to hold important documents, the cartonnier's upper section is set with three gilt-tooled, brown leather faceted drawers, while the lower section is fitted with two cupboard doors on each side opening to one shelf. A patinated and gilt-bronze figural clock with a twin train movement crowns the cabinet, and is stamped with the Marti pastille AA52.

Circa 1880, Paris