Description
Francois Linke is among the most important furniture makers of the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries. He is most noted for his commission of the Ras al-Tin Palace in Alexandria; possibly the largest single furniture commission ever conceived, eclipsing even Versailles. “F Linke” is engraved in cursive on one of the appliques. This majestic library table demonstrates the luxuriousness attributed to Linke pieces. The spectacular serpentine marble top with purple veining caused by porphyry deposits is quite rare. The hand-cast gilt bronze appliqués and mounts, featuring the stately Louis XIV Sun King emblem, spare no adornment. Lovely maple marquetry inlay graces the Cuban mahogany and rosewood frame. The stately legs are connected by a curved X-shaped stretcher banded with twisted bronze rope trim centered by an acanthus leaf medallion. This one-of-a-kind, masterpiece, features two drawers perfect for storing documents or other articles. It makes one ponder what eminent lord or lady housed this piece. It also comes with two keys that work with the original locks on the drawers. Overall, this magnificent library table cannot help but make a statement.
