Pair of French Ormolu and Gray Marble Brule Parfums Attributed to Paul Sormani
A rare pair of Louis XVI style, French ormolu bronze and gray marble brule parfums / vases converted to lamps, Attributed to Paul Sormani Paris, circa 1880 Each with circular lid, above a pierced anthemion rim, the shallow body mounted with three trumpet-blowing female caryatids, on fluted legs each supported by a seated griffin, on a triform marble base, on a stepped triform plinth and bun feet. This pair of brule-parfums are after the model attributed to Pierre-Philippe Thomire from the study of Empress Eugénie at the Tuileries, today in the Louvre (OA 5505). That pair are in grey Sèvres porcelain, here replicated in grey marble. The model was copied by Paul Sormani in the 1870s (see Christie's, London, 24 February 2005, lot 33, £19,200) and Alfred Beurdeley (for a pair in porphyry see 'Collections Beurdeley', Palais d'Orsay, Paris, 16 May 1979, lot 41). Minor differences to the gilt-bronze detailing to the present pair suggests that they might be by Paul Sormani. 25" high overall with lamp fittings. Measures: 19" high x 9" wide x 9" deep (without lamp fittings) Very good condition. Ready to place. Needs to be re-wired.
