France, Paris, François Linke, end of the 19th century to the beginning of the 20th century, the representative writing table or "bureau plat" is conceived as visually double-sided with one central drawer, the oak body is partially veneered and richly decorated with gilded bronze applications, the upper part of the table is fitted with a polished marble top and a massive brass frame signed F. Linke, the upper part of the table rests on four slightly S-shaped bent legs, legs are finished with bronze applications, very nice original condition with minor damages, signs of age and usage, overall dimensions: 78 x 140 x 77 cm.
François Linke (1855-1946) is considered the finest French cabinet maker of the late 19th and early 20th centur. Linke was born in Pankraz Bohemia. He started his first workshop in France in 1881. It was here that he produced contemporary furniture with impeccable craftsmanship inspired by 18th century styles. Over a twenty-year period, he expanded his business and produced a variety of gorgeous pieces. He exhibited at several World’s Fairs and won accolades for his designs. He died at age 91, after achieving great success and producing some of the most elegant furniture on the market. Linke's highly original designs sprang from the Régence and Rococo styles but were imbued with something quite new - Rococo curves were laden with gilt-bronze sculptural mounts in the tradition of André Charles Boulle (1642-1732) or Charles Cressent (1685-1758).
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