so-called ‘bouillotte’, in Louis XVI style, of French cabinet-maker François Left, late 19th century, hardwood frame, rosewood veneer, panel and rhomb marquetry in typical form, polished finish in traditional artisanal technique, fluted feet, delicately chased gilt bronze fittings, white-grey ‘arabescato’ marble top with moulded edging, one bronze signed F. Linke, height 75 cm, diameter 75 cm, in beautiful professionally restored condition. (MIN)

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

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 Léon Messagé, 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 François Linke are represented in all major museums around the world and are highly sought after on the art market.