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Lot Essay
Linke Title: Table Louis XVI cariatides bronzes
This table is a very early model by François Linke, the first of which was made in circa 1890, with Linke making a glazed version by his own hand in 1894. It is virtually impossible to date the present lot accurately as the highly popular design was with a glazed top and sides as a display table until 1919. However, it is clear from the Linke records that the version with a fleur de pêcher marble top (lots 5 & 6) was Linke's earliest version and according to the records was not repeated after the 1900 Exposition Universelle. Linke further adapted this model as number 1301 with a marble top, the sides applied with bronze between 1900 and 1905. Interestingly, a pencilled note in the Linke Archive shows that the model may well have come from Henry Dasson; Linke writes '4 M[...] Dasson'. Linke bought several bronze master models at the sale of Dasson's fonds du commerce 9-12 October 1894, buying ten lots at a total of 4,399 francs 45 centimes.
Payne notes that this model was most probably not originally intended to go on the stand, either added as the original compliment of furniture was not ready in time or because Linke, having seen the preparations for the government sponsored retrospective at the exhibition, decided that, as the demand for furniture modelled after 18th century originals was ever strong, it was wise not to ignore this important and well-tried part of the market (C. Payne, François Linke: The Belle Epoque of French Furniture, Woodbridge, 2003, p. 125). However, amongst his modernised Louis XV furniture designed with his sculptor Léon Messagé Linke had intended three 18th century designs to be shown at the fair but none were ready on time, and he substituted index number 114 and 248 (Fontainebleau régulateur) .
Contemporary commentators at the 1900 Paris Fair were full of praise for Linke's stand that won the Gold Medal. The Art Journal wrote 'The work of M. Linke ... was an example of what can be done by seeking inspiration amongst the classic examples of Louis XV and XVI without in any great sense copying these great works. M. Linke's work was original in the true sense of the word, and as such commended itself to the intelligent seeker after the really artistic things of the Exhibition. Wonderful talent was employed in producing the magnificent pieces of furniture displayed.... '.
The vitrine or bijouterie version of this table was exhibited by Linke at 1900 Paris Exposition Universelle, illustrated in situ C. Payne, p. 122, pl. 137 and shown on its own in Linke's photographic archive, p. 125, pl. 139. Linke was to make three variations one with a fleur de pêcher marble top which can be seen in an engraving of Linke's Place Vendôme showrooms in 1903 (see C. Payne, pp. 160 & 161, pls. 171 & 172), and a third version modeled with an alternately fluted and foliate frieze, Linke index no. 1301 (see C. Payne, p. 502).
A reduced image of Linke's drawing of the display version present lot in his First Day Book is illustrated C. Payne, 2003, p. 475. For the catalogue notes of The Cornwall Collection today, the Linke Archive has authorised publication of the complete page showing the intimate detail that Linke recorded in his own hand and kept in his jacket pocket for easy reference. Later in 1900 these details were transferred to his more formal 'green daybooks', the details of which were filled in by his clerk, the faithful Mr. Lange. The entry lists the numerous disciplines that were needed, each craftsman occupied with his own speciality.
A vitrine table of this model by Linke has been recorded with the lock plate stamped 'FL' and 'FL 680' stamped behind one of the figural mounts.
Footnote courtesy of Christopher Payne.
This table is a very early model by François Linke, the first of which was made in circa 1890, with Linke making a glazed version by his own hand in 1894. It is virtually impossible to date the present lot accurately as the highly popular design was with a glazed top and sides as a display table until 1919. However, it is clear from the Linke records that the version with a fleur de pêcher marble top (lots 5 & 6) was Linke's earliest version and according to the records was not repeated after the 1900 Exposition Universelle. Linke further adapted this model as number 1301 with a marble top, the sides applied with bronze between 1900 and 1905. Interestingly, a pencilled note in the Linke Archive shows that the model may well have come from Henry Dasson; Linke writes '4 M[...] Dasson'. Linke bought several bronze master models at the sale of Dasson's fonds du commerce 9-12 October 1894, buying ten lots at a total of 4,399 francs 45 centimes.
Payne notes that this model was most probably not originally intended to go on the stand, either added as the original compliment of furniture was not ready in time or because Linke, having seen the preparations for the government sponsored retrospective at the exhibition, decided that, as the demand for furniture modelled after 18th century originals was ever strong, it was wise not to ignore this important and well-tried part of the market (C. Payne, François Linke: The Belle Epoque of French Furniture, Woodbridge, 2003, p. 125). However, amongst his modernised Louis XV furniture designed with his sculptor Léon Messagé Linke had intended three 18th century designs to be shown at the fair but none were ready on time, and he substituted index number 114 and 248 (Fontainebleau régulateur) .
Contemporary commentators at the 1900 Paris Fair were full of praise for Linke's stand that won the Gold Medal. The Art Journal wrote 'The work of M. Linke ... was an example of what can be done by seeking inspiration amongst the classic examples of Louis XV and XVI without in any great sense copying these great works. M. Linke's work was original in the true sense of the word, and as such commended itself to the intelligent seeker after the really artistic things of the Exhibition. Wonderful talent was employed in producing the magnificent pieces of furniture displayed.... '.
The vitrine or bijouterie version of this table was exhibited by Linke at 1900 Paris Exposition Universelle, illustrated in situ C. Payne, p. 122, pl. 137 and shown on its own in Linke's photographic archive, p. 125, pl. 139. Linke was to make three variations one with a fleur de pêcher marble top which can be seen in an engraving of Linke's Place Vendôme showrooms in 1903 (see C. Payne, pp. 160 & 161, pls. 171 & 172), and a third version modeled with an alternately fluted and foliate frieze, Linke index no. 1301 (see C. Payne, p. 502).
A reduced image of Linke's drawing of the display version present lot in his First Day Book is illustrated C. Payne, 2003, p. 475. For the catalogue notes of The Cornwall Collection today, the Linke Archive has authorised publication of the complete page showing the intimate detail that Linke recorded in his own hand and kept in his jacket pocket for easy reference. Later in 1900 these details were transferred to his more formal 'green daybooks', the details of which were filled in by his clerk, the faithful Mr. Lange. The entry lists the numerous disciplines that were needed, each craftsman occupied with his own speciality.
A vitrine table of this model by Linke has been recorded with the lock plate stamped 'FL' and 'FL 680' stamped behind one of the figural mounts.
Footnote courtesy of Christopher Payne.