Object Description
This is a fine antique French ormolu mounted mahogany and specimen wood parquetry stand firmly attributed to François Linke, Circa 1890 in date.
The square galleried top features beautiful parquetry decoration with ebony and box-wood stringing. The frieze is decorated with striking ormolu panels with anthemion mounts and one side is fitted with a pull out slide.
The square tapering ormolu mounted splayed out legs were designed to give more stability and are united by a shaped stretcher with flambeau finial.
This lovely stand is certain to become a talking point in your home and a fine embellishment to your reception room.
A similar stand, with a green onyx top, typical slender legs and shaped stretcher is illustrated by Christopher Payne in François Linke (1855-1946) ‘The Belle Epoque of French Furniture’, p. 53, pl. 44. It is described as a stand or gaine and titled by Linke as ‘Pedestal Louis XVI acajou et bronzes dorés’, index number 56. It was available with or without a slide and a drawer, priced between 400 and 500 francs. A comparable version is also shown as a pencil drawing from Linke’s Daybook and illustrated in Payne, p. 474.
Condition:
In really excellent condition, please see photos for confirmation.
Dimensions in cm:
Height 84 x Width 37 x Depth 37
Dimensions in inches:
Height 2 foot, 9 inches x Width 1 foot, 3 inches x Depth 1 foot, 3 inches
FRANÇOIS LINKE (CZECH REPUBLIC, 1855–1946)
François Linke, the most important French ébéniste of his time. Born in Bohemia in 1855, Linke moved to Paris in 1881 where he established his now-famous workshop and showroom. Linke’s superior work spread quickly through France and he soon eclipsed even the finest furniture houses of Paris. Today, Linke is counted among the most important furniture makers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and his work is dearly coveted by collectors. Linke is celebrated for designing highly innovative furnishings by infusing the Rococo style with the Art Nouveau trends of Paris and this Louis XV style desk exemplifies his highly original style.
Our reference: A1758