Object Description
A Fine Louis XV Style Gilt-Bronze Mounted Vitrine with a Brèche d’Alep Marble Top by François Linke.
Linke Index Number 208.
Signed ‘Linke’ to the right hand corner mount.
Signed to the reverse of the lock ‘CT LINKE/ PARIS’.
This elegant vitrine has a moulded and shaped Brèche d’Alep marble top above a frieze centred by a finely cast gilt-bronze fronded acanthus mount. The bombe shaped glazed door is flanked by corresponding glazed side panels and uprights with finely cast acanthus clasps. The apron of the vitrine is mounted by a distinctive shell and acanthus mount with tendrils that extend over the glass door, characteristic of Linke’s finest works. The vitrine is raised on cabriole legs headed with foliate mounts and scrolled feet. The interior of the vitrine is fitted with three glass shelves and a mirrored back panel.
This rare vitrine is embellished with exceptionally fine gilt-bronze mounts. A notable feature is the unusual crab like scallop shell or coquille and acanthus mount, to the apron of the vitrine. The mount extends over the glazed area of the vitrine, which was a particular speciality of Linke and extremely difficult to execute. Many of his most important exhibition designs incorporate this feature, the best known being Linke’s chef-d’oeuvre, the astounding Grande Bibliothèque much praised at the 1900 Paris Exposition Universelle.