Napoleon III in the style of Louis XV, Paris, end of the 19th century, in the style of Paul Sormani.

Purplewood, rosewood and mahogany inlaid with fillets and a diamond pattern in reserves, and in part in veneer. Top edged in brass, on a cut-out frame with three drawers, on curved legs with sabots. Upper section with two drawers. Pivotable mirror in a bronze frame, with two pivotable light branches. Light velour cover (heavily worn). Faceted mirror glass. Opulent bronze mounts designed as rocailles, scrolled leaves and busts of Psyches.

108 × 55 × 147 cm.

In good condition. Minor traces of oxidation on the bronzes and the mirror glass. Minor signs of use. Velour completely worn and foxed.

Such elegant, elaborately-crafted and finely-inlaid "de luxe" furniture in the style of Louis XV or Louis XVI was very popular at the end of the 19th century. Furniture made by famous cabinetmakers such as Paul Sormani can be used as a comparison for the coiffeuse on offer. For example, the mirror top resembles that of a coiffeuse sold at Christie's Auction (Cf. Christie's New York, The Opulent Eye, 18 November 2014, Lot No. 244). A similarly-designed coiffeuse by an anonymous ebenist, with the same distinctive upper section with a pivotable mirror and similar marquetry, was likewise sold at Christie's (Cf. Christie's London, The Opulent Eye, 20 September 2012, Lot No. 52).