François Linke 1855 - 1946 A Louis XV revival gilt-bronze mounted kingwood and quarter-veneer satiné bibliothèque Paris, circa 1905, index number 1254

surmounted by a Rouge de Monjoi marble top, the glazed doors fronted by trellis-brass protective sheets, and opening to five oak shelves with solid rosewood bandings, the female right-end side espagnolette chute signed LINKE, the hibiscus mount centering the concave crest has been removed to reveal the LINKE stamp from the bronze master model and the number 3926 from Linke serial numbering, the corner chute numbered 1637 and the applied ribbon to the front of the espagnolette signed FL and numbered 4753.



 

Overall in good condition and presentation. few replacement to kingwood veneers to canted corners and with visible replacement to veneers at upper ege of concave crest.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

François Linke title:

Bibliothèque Louis XV d'après le N596, bois de violette et satiné, marqueterie violette sure satiné, 2 portes a grillages a torsions et rideaux, dessus marbre fleur de pêcher, haut 1m 30, larges 1m 25

Linke records in his hand written price list that this bookcase, index number 1254 in Linke's repertoire, is a variation of an earlier smaller version, number 596, that he made with venis Martin panels. However to the modern observer the present lot seems more innovative and it is difficult to see Linke's reasoning for the similarity, unless the cabinetmakers' cuttings out instructions were basically to a similar plan. 596 would have been made concurrently with the items that enjoyed such international success at Linke's Gold Medal winning display at the 1900 Paris exposition Universelle. Although it is difficult to be precise about the dating of some of Linke's work, the present lot would seem to date to circa 1905.

 

The present lot is a variation of the recorded version in Linke's photographic archive, which has the wire grilles covering the whole of the pair of doors. Thus the present lot would have been a more elaborate version with the quarter-veneered panelling outlined in gilt-bronze, the outlines and arched panels increasing the costs considerably.

Footnotes courtesy of Christopher Payne