Description:
A Very Fine French Late 19th/Early 20th Century Ormolu Mounted Kingwood, Bois Satine, Mahogany, Marquetry and Parquetry Gueridon (Round End-Table), Attributed to Francois Linke (1855-1946). The circular marquetry top with trellis inlay encopass by a ribbon-tied floral and ribbon entwining inlaid surround, above a frieze interspersed with four abundant floral, foliate and entwined opposing cornucopiae mounts each centered by a bacchante mask, with one frieze drawer, on slender cabriole legs with an upswept X-stretcher surmounted by a circular undertier with a basket weave mounted gallery. Bearing an the original retailer's plaque which reads: 'S. & H. Jewell, 131 & 132, High Holborn, London, W.C'. Circa: Paris, 1900.
Height: 29 1/2 inches (75 cm)
Width: 29 1/2 inches (75 cm)
Depth: 29 inches (74.5 cm)
Ref.: A2613
François Linke (1855-1946) born in Pankraz, Bohemia, is considered by many as the greatest Parisian cabinetmaker of his day, at a time when the worldwide influence of French fashion was at its height. The ancien régime has always been the greatest source of inspiration for artistic design in France and, influenced amongst others by the de Goncourt brothers, the Louis XV and Louis XVI styles were revived to wide popular appeal. During the Second Empire these styles were so eclectic that they became debased. Linke wanted to create a fresh new style and his association with the enigmatic sculptor Léon Messagé resulted in a highly original series of designs, based on the rococo style fused with the latest fashion in Paris, l’art nouveau. This style, known as le style Linke, was received with critical acclaim at the 1900 exhibition and remains popular today amongst the worldwide clientele for Linke’s exquisitely made furniture.
The book, with 140,000 words of text and over 700 photographs, many previously unpublished and drawn from Linke’s own archive and private collections, has ten chapters showing the development of this exacting and prolific man’s life work. It traces his early life and apprenticeship and his comfortable family life in Paris, culminating with the award of the Légion d’honneur. Appendices on Metalwork and Wood add to the technical expertise of this book, giving a unique insight into the workings of any cabinetmakers recorded to date.
Jan's & Co. Fine French Antiques, Inc. wishes to thank Mr. Christopher Payne for allowing us to publish his biography as well as all the above information about François Linke.
S. & H. Jewell, London were first recorded in 1830 as cabinet-makers and furniture retailers trading from premises at 29-31 Little Queen Street, London (cf. Geoffrey Beard and Christopher Gilbert, Dictionary of English Furniture Makers 1660-1840, 1986, p.488). They were later recorded at 26 Parker Street. It is probable that the present lot was retailed rather than made by them.
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