A French gilt-bronze-mounted vernis martin kingwood vitrine cabinet attributed to François Linke 3rd quarter 19th century

of gentle breakfront form, the frieze with a border of Vitruvian scrolls above a band of floral and laurel wreaths, the central panels mounted with a bacchic female mask flanked by cornucopia and rams terminating in scrolling foliage, flowers and vines above a bevelled glazed door flanked by two glazed panels enclosing two glass shelves, with a later velvet lined interior with glazed sides, the rounded stiles mounted with ribbon-tied musical trophies, the lower section applied with verde martin panels depicting Watteauesque scenes, on cabriole legs terminating in hoof feet

Very nice detail to casting and mounts which are a little dirty and would benefit from a light clean according to taste. The vernis martin panels are beautifully painted with some minor craquelure and miniscule chips but are in generally good condition. The gilt-bronze mounting on the two rear legs is lifting slightly and would benefit from being repinned. In overall good condition. The piece can be placed immediately. To discuss this lot in greater detail please call Edward Rising or David Macdonald on 0207 293 5107 or 0207 293 5507.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

François Linke was born in Bohemia in 1855 and

arrived in Paris at the age of twenty.  Renowned for the quality of his work, which had individualism and inventiveness not matched by his contemporaries, his greatest success was at the Exposition Universeille in Paris in 1900, where his grand bureau took a gold medal.  His premises at 170, rue Saint-Antoine continued to be the centre of his production until around 1934.  He died in 1946.