FRANÇOIS LINKE (1855 - 1946) A FRENCH GILT-BRONZE MOUNTED AMARANTH, SATINÉ, CITRONNIER AND PEARWOOD MARQUETRY 'TABLE DES MUSES', AFTER THE MODEL OF JEAN-HENRI RIESENER, SECOND HALF 19TH CENTURY |

the rectangular gilt-bronze-banded top with curved corners inlaid with the figures of Astronomy and Geometry above a frieze drawer, the reverse and sides with a marquetry panel inlaid with putti emblematic of the Arts and Sciences on tapering legs, each corner with an acanthus mount issuing scrolled acanthus and foliage, on toupie feet, signed 'F. Linke' on the talus

 Pierre Arizzoli-Clémentel,Versailles, Furniture of the Royal Palace, 17th and 18th centuries, Vol. 2, Dijon, 2002, pp. 92-96, no. 27 Denise Ledoux-Lebard, Le mobilier français du XIXe siècle, Paris, 1989, p. 439

Christopher Payne, François Linke,1855-1946, the Belle Epoque of French Furniture, Woodbridge, 2003, where a selection from the glass negatives or clichés in the Linke Archive, illustrates an identical model to the offered lot, p.490, number 251

The illustration is accurate. Good overall condition. The gilding is very slightly tarnished and rubbed especially on the rim of the top. A few very minor scratches to the varnish of the top. It comes with a later protecting glass top. The photo of the detail of signature in the catalogue shows the protecting glass top. Beautiful piece in every sides, it could be used in the center of a room. Very nice quality of chasing and of marquetry. Ready to display.
"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."

This superbly executed centre table with finely cast gilt-bronze mounts and marquetry is based upon the mechanical table commissioned by Pierre-Elisabeth de Fontanieu, for his use in the Hôtel du Garde-Meuble, Paris, in 1771 by Jean-Henri Riesener (1734-1806), illustrated by Arizzoli-Clémentel, op. cit., p. 92, now in the Petit Trianon at Versailles. It was one of the first deliveries made by Riesener to the Garde-Meuble before he became its principal supplier in 1774. The top is decorated with the figures of Astronomy and Geometry, hence its name of `table of the Muses'. The table was reproduced in the 19th and 20th centuries by leading cabinet-makers such as Linke and Beurdeley. The present lot by François Linke is listed under the index number 251. The first example by Linke is in Blue Daybook ranging from index number 1 to 390 dates to circa 1894. The table was available as a direct copy of the original example or with a marble top. There exists a watercolour design Index number 564 in the Linke Archive depicting Linke's modernization of the table using it a writing desk with the unusual feature of a built-in candelabrum attached to the gilt-bronze gallery.

See an identical table from A Private Collection, Important French Furniture and Decorations including Signed Furniture and other items from the Linke Family Private Collection, Volume I, Sotheby's, New York, 26th October 2006, lot 201 (sold 39 000 $).

See also an identical table from Arts of Europe, Sotheby's, London, 6 November 2014, lot 150.