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pair of antique bronze figurines of a man and woman on a dragontwo statues of a man and a woman sitting on top of a clock
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ALEXANDRE LANDRE - SEMUR-EN-AUXOIS

133 - François LINKE (1855–1946)
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Estimate €8,000 - €12,000
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Description
François LINKE (1855–1946) A magnificent pair of chiselled and gilded bronze lamps depicting deities, forming a matching set. They depict the crowned Pluto and Proserpina draped in cloth. The god holds a trident in his right hand and the goddess is probably holding a torch. They are seated on a large rocaille volute decorated with acanthus leaves and solid or openwork ovals. This plinth rests on two volutes on one side and an architectural triangular foot on the other. Signed: Linke on the base Paris. Late 19th century H_50 cm W_48 cm D_28 cm (Wear to the gilding). Related work: - This pair of candlesticks was modelled on the example supplied by Lelièvre around 1750 for Louis XV’s private apartments at Versailles and now held in the collections of the Mobilier National (inv. OA5147). - ‘Les bronzes d’ameublement du Louvre’. Daniel Alcouffe – Anne Dion Tenenbaum – Gérard Mabille. Faton, 2004. Page 67 - A similar pair of fire stands depicting the deities Neptune and Amphitrite is featured in the book *Christopher Payne, François Linke, 1855–1946: The Belle Époque of French Furniture*, 1999, page 492. François Linke. The Czech-born cabinetmaker François Linke (1855–1946) came to prominence at the 1900 Exposition for his exquisitely luxurious furniture. His workshop, opened in 1881, welcomed several monarchs and dignitaries from all corners of the world, to the extent that, at the start of the 20th century, King Fouad I of Egypt placed an order with him for his Palace in Alexandria – a commission rivalled only by those commissioned by Louis XIV for the Palace of Versailles. From 1885 onwards, he worked with the sculptor Léon Messagé to revitalise the Louis XV and Regency styles. Léon Messagé designed numerous pieces featuring espagnolette handles, of which we have a fine example here. Around 1900, he also used the motif of a sheaf of wheat resting on a shell, as seen on the ‘shell’ chest of drawers sent to the 1900 Exhibition. Expert: Stéphane PEPE - Expert: PEPE Stephane
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About the sale Collection of the Château de Villebourgeon & others
Auction location
Auction time 10/04/2026 at 2:00 PM
Lot description modified on 09/16/2026 at 2:22 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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