François Linke (1855-1946), Paris, late 19th/early 20th century, oakwood frame on cabriole legs, with rosewood veneer, grid and diamond pattern marquetry, polished finish, one drawer, top-quality gilt bronze fittings, the underside of the bronze with the monograms FL, the side of the top edging signed F Linke, 73.5 x 74 x 47 cm, in beautiful professionally restored condition. (MIN)

The present item is subject to conservation legislation (ASB)

Lit.:
Denise Ledoux-Lebard, "Le mobilier francais du XIX e siecle" (2000) pp. 435-444. Francois LINKE (1855-1946) came from Pankraz (Bohemia / Austria-Hungary) and was one of the most important cabinet-makers of the Parisian “Belle Epoque”. After learning furniture making for 2 years in Vienna, he went first to Germany and then to France in 1875, where he worked for the famous cabinet-maker Antoine KRIEGER. After a short stay in Vienna in 1879, he returned to Paris to establish his own studio in 1881. Initially, he produced for his former employer A. Krieger, but quickly built up his own customer base thanks to excellent quality of his works. Decisive for his future style and steep career was his collaboration with the sculptor Leon Messagee, who was responsible for the design of the bronzes. They put together a collection for the 1900 Paris World’s Fair that made Linke world famous. He managed to creatively combine the classic Louis XV style with Art Nouveau. Works by Francois Linke are represented in all major museums around the world and are highly sought after on the art market.