BY FRANCOIS LINKE FOR MAISON KRIEGER, PARIS, CIRCA 1885

With its rich application of marquetry and parquetry in bois de violette veneers, this fine vitrine-on-stand is exemplary of François Linke's early design acumen dating to the mid-1880s. An elaborate tabulation of production costs associated with a related model appear in Linke's first day books, notably Book 2, which Payne discusses in his monograph François Linke, 1855-1946 - The Belle Epoque of French Furniture, Woodbridge, 2003, pp. 52-54. Payne cites four examples produced by the burgeoning ébéniste, available with vernis Martin panels and at least one, possibly the present lot, in bois de violette (1,630 francs). During Linke's rise in the late 19th century, ultimately reaching a pinnacle with in his award winning stand at the 1900 Paris Exposition Universelle, the young cabinet-maker established early relationships with the leading Parisian cabinet-makers including Krieger and Jansen who were among Linke's first clients during the early 1880s (op. cit. p. 37).

The firm of Maison Krieger was established in 1826 by Antoine and his brother Nicolas, with premises at 17, rue Saint-Nicolas, Paris. Changing address several times, the firm became known as Antoine Krieger & Cie. in 1850 and moved to 76, rue du Faubourg-Saint-Antoine in 1853. On Krieger's death in 1856, the company passed to his sons-in-law and became Cosse-Racault et Cie. Finally, after further name changes, it became Colin et Courcier circa 1909, with premises at 74, rue du Faubourg-Saint-Antoine.