Fine 19th Century French Vitrine, by Francoise Linke

A fine quality late 19th Century marquetry inlaid bombe fronted French Louis XVI style Vitrine, having its original Breche Violette marble top, wonderful scrolling foliate chiselled gilded ormolu mounts, glazed adjustable shelves within, flower inlaid to the door and sides, raised on elegant out-swept legs, terminating in scrolling ormolu feet. Signed; Francoise Linke. François Linke, the most important French ébéniste of his time. Born in Bohemia in 1855, Linke moved to Paris in 1881 where he established his now-famous workshop and showroom. Linke's superior work spread quickly through France and he soon eclipsed even the finest furniture houses of Paris. Today, Linke is counted among the most important furniture makers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and his work is dearly coveted by collectors. Linke is celebrated for designing highly innovative furnishings by infusing the Rococo style with the Art Nouveau trends of Paris and this Louis XV style desk exemplifies his highly original style.