This authentic Francois Linke chair is absolutely exquisite. The lovely shape and form is a very fine example of the French Louis XV style. Its has the elegant gilt-bronze ormolu mounts you come to expect from the famous Parisian ébéniste. The graceful shaped back, bombe seat frame and S-curved cabriole legs are made of solid Rosewood. The ornate gilt bronze mounts go from the top chair rail down to the acanthus sheathed sabots with scrolled toe. We believe these superb mounts were by the sculptor Léon Méssagé.
The upholstered seat is covered in a later fabric and sits very comfortably. From the bottom you can see the seat springs and webbing, which are in very nice condition. This Francois Linke chair is signed F. Linke on the bronze mount on the knee of the left leg. This can be seen on one of the close-up photos.
MAKER: François Linke (1855-1946)
– Francois Linke
PERIOD: circa 1900
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: France
MATERIALS: Rosewood and gilt-bronze ormolu mounts
CONDITION: The chair is structurally sound and very heavy. It is in very nice condition with minor wear and patina consistent with age and use. There appears to be a slight repair to the top of the chair back, as shown in the photos. Upholstery is not original.
HEIGHT: 35 in. (89 cm)
WIDTH: 18 in. (46 cm)
DEPTH: 19 in. (48 cm)
SEAT HEIGHT: 19 in. (48 cm)
