Attribué à FRANÇOIS LINKE (1855-1946) Signé par Clément Linke († en 1910)

LADY'S DESK Louis XVI style Solid mahogany, satinwood; gilt bronze H. 115 cm, W. 146 cm, D. 45 cm Signed on the left drawer: Ct Linke - serrurerie - Paris Provenance Collection J.B. This large lady's desk, signed on the locks by Clément Linke, is surmounted by a step opening to two drawers on each side and two drawers in the belt. It rests on four tapered legs joined by an X-shaped brace, slightly off-center. The quality of the mahogany is enhanced by satinwood frames and an elegant gilt bronze trim. Two light arms still illuminate the writing desk. François Linke had exhibited a similar model at the Salon des Industries du Mobilier in 1902 (fig. 1). The cabinetmaker intended them for a rich international clientele like the d'Astoreca, Devoto, Meyer... His brother Clément supplied him with the bronzes. The arms of light were added to the request. They brought, after the advent of electricity, an additional note of refinement to the furniture. Our lady's desk is thus a particularly luxurious model.