Pair of ormolu and Vernis Martin mounted vitrines by Linke

The wooden vitrines (display cabinets) stand on cabriole legs which are decorated with floral ormolu (gilt bronze) mounts and set on ormolu hoof feet. The lower sections of the vitrines are mounted with Vernis Martin (imitation lacquer) panels, depicting courting couples, cherubs and animals in Arcadian landscapes. These panels are signed ‘V. GOSSENS’.

Each vitrine contains three shelves, two of which are glass. These are displayed behind glazed sides and lockable doors. The tops of the vitrines feature friezes mounted with ormolu rinceau bands, composed of leafy, fruiting scrolled foliage within twisted ribbon frames. The front friezes are decorated with central ormolu plaques, featuring low-relief depictions of Bacchic putti playing in an outdoor setting. Ormolu ribbon bows and flower trails decorate the top corners of the vitrines. The vitrines’ tops feature ormolu Vitruvian scroll bands, and they are covered by variegated red marble.

‘CT LINKE/SERRURERIE/PARIS' is stamped onto the vitrines’ locks. François Linke was one of the most important cabinetmakers of all time. He was active in Paris in the late 19^th and early 20^th Century, creating beautiful furniture in the style of 18^th-Century French design.