Clock signed “Linke” Paris

Clock from the late 19th/early 20th century, made of white marble and mercury gilded bronze. Porcelain dial. Signed “Linke”. François Linke. Pankraz (Bohemia), 1855 – Paris, 1946. Important French cabinetmaker and bronzier of Czech origin, he arrived in Paris in 1875, where he opened his studio in Faubourg Saint Antoine in 1881. Before achieving success, he worked for other famous cabinetmakers, which explains the absence of works signed by him in his youth. He attended the School of Decorative Arts to perfect his drawing skills; around 1885, meeting the sculptor Léon Messagé developed his creativity, and gave rise to a truly fruitful collaboration. In his very rich production he was inspired by the models of the Ancien Régime (Louis XV and Louis XVI), to create a very personal style closer to the taste of his era, creatively mixing the suggestions of the Regency and Rococo with the fluid forms of Art Nouveau; thus he obtained sumptuous and refined works, built in precious woods, rich in exuberant gilded bronze decorations, lacquers, inlays, which demonstrate his incredible mastery and extraordinary attention to detail. Participation in the Universal Exhibition in Paris in 1900 with a bureau designed by the sculptor Léon Méssagé, made of bois de violette (also called kingwood, a particularly valuable rosewood), decorated with Louis XV style bronzes, made him internationally famous, and earned him a very high-level clientele, such as King Fouad of Egypt, who would commission more than 1200 artistic furniture and objects from him over the years. He moved to the prestigious Place Vendôme and his success continued until the Second World War. Period: Late Nineteenth Century – Early Twentieth Century; Origin: Paris (France); Measurements: Height 61 cm; Width 39 cm; Depth 20 cm; Conditions: Excellent condition; Document: Certificate of authenticity; Assistance: We are at your disposal for further clarifications, information and images; Shipping: Available throughout Italy, Europe and the rest of the world. Low prices, maximum security and complete traceability. (To be agreed privately). We wish you a good day Antichità Goglia