A French 19th century Louis XV st. Belle Époque period Kingwood, Mahogany and ormolu desk signed by François Linke

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A stunning and most unique French 19th century Louis XV st. Belle Époque period Kingwood, Mahogany and ormolu desk signed by François Linke. The desk is raised by elegant cabriole legs with handsome paw feet with acanthus leaves and fine... — Read More

Item # 12127
H: 29.75 in L: 58.75 in D: 31.5 in
H: 76 cm L: 149 cm D: 80 cm
France
19th Century
Kingwood, Mahogany, Ormolu
Belle Époque Period Read More, Louis XV st. Read More

(Belle Époque Period) - Gaining its name from the optimistic and peaceful period of time between 1871 and World War I, Belle Epoque means “beautiful period”, and occurred during the era of the Third French Republic. This period of economic, colonial, and scientific prosperity brought with it a flourishing artistic climate with numerous literal, musical, theatrical, and visual masterpieces being created. The Eiffel Tower, which was constructed between 1887 and 1889, served as the entrance to the World’s Fair held in Paris. That same year, the Moulin Rouge cabaret in Paris was founded and showcased the now more mainstream styles of performance including can-can dancing. Belle Epoque dancers and singers were Paris celebrities and became immortalized by the poster arts of Toulouse-Lautrec. Leading up to this period in 1865, the American Civil War was coming to a close, with France proposing to construct the Statue of Liberty as a joint effort with the United States. France would be responsible for the statue, with America constructing the pedestal. Created to celebrate the nation’s success in building a viable democracy, the statue would stand as a symbol of friendship between the French and American people.

(Louis XV st.) - Also known as Louis Quinze or Rocaille, this style followed the traditions of French décor, until it took on a life and look of its own with decorations and motifs becoming more exuberant. The style was heavily influenced by the mistress of Louis XV, Madame de Pompadour, and marked the beginning of the Rococo movement. In his old age, from 1750 – 1774, Louis XV showed more signs of constraint in his design style and this period showed more signs of French Neoclassicism.

François Linke Read More

François Linke (1855-1946) Renowned 19th Century Parisian Ébéniste. Linke created historical interpretations of Louis XV and Louis XVI styles. Early in his career his workshop supplied furniture for more established makers such as Jansen and Krieger Linke displayed at the Paris Universal Exhibition of 1900 where he received a gold medal for his exhibition. Linke's stand was the biggest show in the history of art furniture in the year 1900. Visitors to his stand included; the King of Sweden, king of Belgium, Prince Radziwill, the Prince, d’Arenberg and the President of France Emile Loubet, among many other counts and heiresses from the Americas. At a time when other more established furniture businesses such as those of Beurdeley and Dasson were closing down, he made a huge investment in his stand and the furniture he supplied for it. By that time Linke’s worldwide reputation and expertise was unmatched by any of his peers. In 1906 Linke recieved the highest distinction of France; the Croix de la Légion d’Honneur. The Art Journal ‘Revue’ described Linke's style as 'Entièrement Nouveaux'. His characteristic sculptural gilt mounts reflected the influence of marquetry genius André-Charles Boulle.

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