Francois Linke--Belle Epoque of French Furniture (Hardcover)

~ Christopher Payne (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Fran ois Linke (1855-1946), born in Pankraz, Bohemia, is considered by many as the greatest Parisian cabinetmaker of his day, at a time when the worldwide influence of French fashion was at its height. The ancien r,gime has always been the greatest source of inspiration for artistic design in France and, influenced amongst others by the de Goncourt brothers, the Louis XV and Louis XVI styles were revived to wide popular appeal. During the Second Empire these styles were so eclectic that they became debased. Linke wanted to create a fresh new style and his association with the enigmatic sculptor L,on Messag, resulted in a highly original series of designs, based on the rococo style fused with the latest fashion in Paris, l'art nouveau . This style, known as le style Linke , was received with critical acclaim at the 1900 exhibition and remains popular today amongst the worldwide clientele for Linke's exquisitely made furniture. The book, with 140,000 words of text and over 700 unique photograph

About the Author

Christopher Payne, the leading expert in this period of furniture and the author of the seminal work on the subject, 19th Century European Furniture, first published by the Antique Collectors' Club in 1981, has had access to a unique archive of Linke's memorabilia, artefacts and ledgers passed down by Linke's contremaitre or foreman, combined with diligently researched family papers. He has spent over twenty years as an expert on the BBC Antiques Roadshow. He is former director of the Furniture Department at Sotheby's; his twenty-five years there laid the groundwork for unprecedented experience of furniture. Since leaving Sotheby's he has been working as a private curator, whilst continuing to lecture, broadcast and advise clients internationally.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 528 pages
• Publisher: Antique Collectors Club Dist A/C (April 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1851494405
• ISBN-13: 978-1851494408
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 9.5 x 1.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,161,874 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The greatest review on french furniture to date, October 6, 2004

By	Rafael Borges Bay (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This document provides an insight into life and work of Francois Linke, the most important cabinet maker of his time. His works are regarded as the top of the french decorative arts, combining the elegant Louis XV stile with art noveau influence. The combination of his ideas with skilled scultors during his lifetime procuced truly spetacular pieces of furniture. A mandatory read for any dealer or colector of french art.

5.0 out of 5 stars EXCELLENT !!!!, March 3, 2007

By	Agustin R. Vidal Valls - See all my reviews

Is really a master work, an excellent and complete reference and history book of the life and the work of Fraçoise Linke. Very very satisfied.