Overview
An exceptional late 19th century Parisian display vitrine by François Linke - stamped to the lock hardware C. Linke, Serrurerie, Paris. This piece represents the Belle Époque cabinetmaking tradition at its most accomplished: a commission of the highest order, executed with the precision and decorative richness for which the Linke workshops became the most celebrated name in Parisian furniture of the period. Read more about François Linke.
Key Features
- Maker-stamped: C. Linke, Serrurerie, Paris - original period hardware
- Kingwood veneer in parquetry chevron pattern throughout
- Fully glazed upper display cabinet with bevelled glazing and original red silk interior lining
- Two adjustable glass shelves fitted within
- Three hand-painted Vernis Martin pastoral panels to the lower section
- Ormolu mounts of the highest casting quality throughout - all present with no losses
- Cabriole legs with gilt sabots and foliate apron mount
Craftsmanship & Detail
The vitrine is a work of considerable scale and presence - 157cm in height, 111cm in width - conceived to dominate a salon or drawing room. The kingwood veneer provides a warm, richly figured ground against which the gilded ormolu mounts read with exceptional clarity. The frieze mount is an elaborate continuous scroll of acanthus centred by a mascaron mask flanked by griffins and foliate swags - a design of considerable sculptural depth. The lower painted panels depict pastoral romantic scenes in warm ochre and sienna tones characteristic of the finest Belle Époque decorative painting. François Linke (1855–1946) is widely regarded as the greatest French ébéniste of the Belle Époque, his pieces held in major museum and private collections worldwide and appearing regularly at Christie's, Sotheby's, and Drouot.
This vitrine forms part of our French antique furniture collection at Hawkins Antiques. Looking for a specific piece by Linke, Sormani, or another Belle Époque maker? Our sourcing service connects clients with the right piece from our network and warehouse stock not yet listed online.
