François Linke, Paris, late 19th century, elegantly curved hardwood frame, rosewood veneer, cubic and foliate marquetry with several precious woods, polished finish in traditional artisanal technique, one drawer, exquisitely chased gilt bronze fittings, marked FL on the back and signed F. Linke on one corner bronze, top edging, 75.5 x 110 x 66 cm, in beautiful restored condition. (MIN)

The present item is subject to conservation legislation (ASB).

Francois Linke (1855-1946) Probably the most important cabinet-maker of the Parisian "Belle Epoque" came from Pankraz (Bohemia / Austria-Hungary). 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 and also studied drawing. After a short stay in Vienna in 1879, he returned to Paris to establish his own studio in 1881. Initially, he produced mainly as a subcontractor 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 Léon Messagé (1842 – 1901), 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, for he managed to creatively combine the classic Louis XV style with Art Nouveau. His clients ranged from royalty to the world's wealthiest. Works by Francois Linke are represented in all major museums around the world and are highly sought after on the art market.

Lit.:
Denise Ledoux-Lebard, “Le mobilier francais du XIXe siecle” (2000) pp. 435-444. Christopher Payne, “Francois Linke-The Belle Epoque of French Furniture” (2003)