Pedestal Table Attributed To François Linke (1855-1946)

Pedestal table in mahogany veneer marquetry, with a circular top with angles, it is covered with a Breccia d'Alep marble, surrounded by a gilt bronze astragal. It rests on 4 arched faceted legs, joined by 4 arms highlighted by a bronze net topped with a bouquet of acanthus leaves. Rich ornamentation of gilt and chiseled bronzes on the 4 sides of the belt, our pedestal table is fitted with 4 pretty closed gilt bronze clogs. A similar model is shown on page 57 in the book by François LINKE. François Linke was a French cabinetmaker of Czech origin (born in 1855 in Pankraz[1] in Bohemia, and died in Paris in 1946). He began his apprenticeship in Bohemia at the age of 13 and worked in Prague, Vienna and Budapest before moving to Paris in 1875. He waited until 1881 to create his own workshop at 170 rue du Faubourg Saint Antoine. Taking up the styles of the 18th century, he adapted them to the taste of the day and produced quality furniture which contributed to the development of his activity. The use of dolphin offcuts, the quality of his design and his carvings are characteristic of his production. The gold medal of the Jury received in 1900 during the Universal Exhibition in Paris for his large desk and his armchair made with Léon Messagé, definitively established Linke's reputation. He continued to attend the major world exhibitions at the beginning of the century. In addition to his references to the Regency and Rococo styles, the furniture he produced used the forms and fluidity of Art Nouveau. He opened a store on Place Vendôme and enjoyed growing success until the Second World War.