Commode signed Linke - 19th century

Commode with three drawers without crosspiece in kingwood veneer. Important gilt bronze trim on the facade delimiting a central cartouche with cube motifs. Falls and clogs in gilded bronze. Alep breccia marble top.

François Linke (1855-1946) was one of the greatest Parisian cabinetmakers of his time. Born in Bohemia in Pankraz, he arrived in Paris in 1875 after having completed his apprenticeship in Budapest and Vienna. He founded his own workshop in 1881 at 170 rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine, twenty years later he was at the head of a real company of 90 workers.
Around 1885, Linke collaborated with the sculptor Léon Messagé until his death in 1901, which ensured them great notoriety, the culmination being the gold medals received at the Universal Exhibition of 1889, and the Universal Exhibition of 1900 again earned him a gold medal and above all brought him international success commented on in the following way: "The exhibition of the Linke house is the big event in the history of art furniture in the year of grace. 1900”.
From this success stems a financial success that allows Linke to settle in Place Vendôme. He became international, took part in the Universal Exhibition of Saint-Louis in 1904, in Liège in 1905 and in London in 1908. He became the supplier of the greatest families throughout the world: King Fouad I of Egypt, Simon Patino, Count Devoto, Raphael de Lamar in New York.
Contemporary of his prestigious colleagues Beurdeley and Dasson, like them, his production includes pastiches inspired by 18th century styles, replicas of 18th century royal furniture. But the great originality of his style lies in the collaboration he maintains with Léon Messagé, combining both the Louis XV style and the Art Nouveau style. The 18th century references that he associates with the fluidity of Art Nouveau ensure his creations a completely new line.

Christopher Payne "Francois Linke 1855-1946 The Belle Epoque of French Furniture"