A French giltwood console table and trumeau by François Linke, Paris circa 1900

in Louis XV style, with a Brèche de Saint-Maximin marble top, and oil on board signed J Ritt(?)y,

Jean Bieder

C. Payne, François Linke, illustrated p. 434, pl. 512 shown in situ at Linke's showroom at 170 Faubourg Saint-Antoine, Paris

In good overall condition. There are a few minor cracks to the giltwood and a few surface marks, chips and losses to the gesso and gilt.
"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."

Two photographs in the Linke Archives show the present lot, with its trumeau in situ at 170 Faubourg St. Antoine. It is thought that this console and mirror formed part of the room panelling at Linke's prestigious showrooms in the Place Vendôme, occupied by Linke between 1903 and circa 1930. One of these prints has the unusual addition of the photographer's name and address: A. Sergent, 3 Rue du Dahomey, Paris Xie. There is no evidence on the thousands of archival negatives and prints in the Linke Archive of the photographer's details. Family memory and word of mouth from Jean Bieder record a fire in Linke's showrooms; the date has not been established nor the extent of the damage known. The only similar example of a console with mirror is an Empire style model, 290 cm high, Archive number 474.