Large ormolu mounted marquetry vitrine table by François Linke

Known for the exceptional individuality and quality of his work, Linke remains one of the most highly regarded of all French furniture makers, and a piece such as this demonstrates why.

Carved and designed in an exuberant and lavish Louis XV style, this work is an ormolu mounted and marquetry panel glass-top table vitrine, opening up on a large hinge to show a large velvet-lined luxury red display interior. A watercolour of this design, of which Linke made a small number of pieces between c.1897 and 1919, survives in archives of his drawings and designs. This exceptional piece is a relatively large example, featuring the recognisable shell-mount in a spiralling ormolu design at the front.

This piece is a result of Linke's collaboration with the sculptor Léon Messagé, as such it exhibits Linke's unrivalled technical craftsmanship with an elegant and refined artistic flair, typical of the work he displayed at the Paris Exhibition of 1900 where he earned his fame. A beautiful display piece, a vitrine such as this by a maker of this quality forms the pinncale of Belle Époque furniture pieces.