François Linke (1855-1846) - Transition Style Library. Circa 1900

François LINKE (1855-1846) - Superb Work Cabinet Library in an architectural form with slight projections and noticeably curved sides in mahogany and satin veneer inlaid with bottomless cubes in gilt bronze frames chiseled with heart lines. Crowned with an ogee cornice, its three-part composition presents two side bodies with meshed leaves in their upper part and full in the lower part framing a large hollowed-out central body. An opulent adornment of gilded bronzes chiselled with cross-section leaves, acanthus and oak foliage dresses the falls, spandrels, base, apron completed horizontally by openwork friezes of flowered interlacing, intertwined ribbons. In the Arabesque style, two very finely chiseled gilt bronze sconces with horns of plenty adorned with a burning firebrand and floral crown bring a touch of refinement to this imposing piece of furniture resting on eight clawed arched feet. Signed "F.Linke" on the bronze of the right upright.