François Linke

(1855 - 1946)

Literature:
François Linke, born in Pankraz (Bohemia) in 1855 and passed away in Paris in 1946, was a renowned French cabinetmaker and bronzier of Czech origin. He arrived in Paris in 1875 and, in 1881, opened his workshop in the Faubourg Saint Antoine district. Before establishing himself, he collaborated with renowned cabinetmakers of the time, which is why his early works do not bear his signature. To refine his drawing skills, he attended the School of Decorative Arts.
Around 1885, his encounter with the sculptor Léon Messagé marked a turning point in his career, stimulating his creativity and initiating a fruitful collaboration. In his extensive production, Linke drew inspiration from the models of the Ancien Régime, particularly the Louis XV and Louis XVI styles, reinterpreting them with a personal touch that reflected the taste of his time. With great skill, he combined elements of the Regency and Rococo styles with the fluid lines of Art Nouveau, creating luxurious and refined furniture characterized by the use of precious woods, sumptuous gilded bronze decorations, lacquerwork, and exquisite marquetry.
His international recognition came in 1900 at the Paris Exposition Universelle, where he presented a magnificent bureau designed by Léon Messagé. Crafted in bois de violette, a rare rosewood also known as "king's wood," and adorned with Louis XV-style bronze decorations, the piece attracted the attention of the most exclusive clientele. Among his distinguished patrons was King Fuad of Egypt, who commissioned over 1,200 pieces of furniture and artistic objects from him over the years.
Linke's success led him to establish himself in the prestigious Place Vendôme, solidifying his reputation until the outbreak of World War II. His artistic legacy remains a benchmark in the world of cabinetmaking and decorative arts.