Gilt Bronze Mounted Centre Table firmly attributed to François Linke

Object Description

A Louis XVI Style Parquetry Centre Table firmly Attributed to François Linke

Constructed in Kingwood, Tulipwood and Mahogany, with foliate inlay work, parquetry and fine ormolu bronze mounts; of free-standing circular form, the ormolu sabot shodfeet, swept cabriole legs dressed with espagnolettes having an undertier set with a central pierced gilt basket; the platform mounted with an ormolu guard band, and the top having a running intertwined garland of flowers.

The form and decoration of this table closely follow signed Linke examples that have come to the art market.
French, circa 1890

Object Literature

François Linke (1855-1946)

François Linke is considered to be one of the finest ébénistes and bronziers of the 19th century at a time when the worldwide influence of French fashion was at its height.  He moved from Pankraz, Bohemia where he completed his apprenticeship under the strictest of training, to Paris in 1875, setting up shop in 1881 in the faubourg Saint Antoine and later with a showroom in the Place Vendôme. He attracted a wealthy international clientele, appreciative of the excellence of his work.
 
Specialising in the style of the ancien régime and modifying the proportions of the eighteenth century to suit the smaller Parisian apartments, he was an exhibitor at the Paris Exposition Universelle of 1900, where he was a Gold Medal winner par excellence for his extraordinary and innovative display. His worldwide reputation as a master of high individualism and inventiveness earned him the highest distinction of France, the Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur.

Object Condition

Excellent

Object Details