François Linke Commode
At the October 10th Christie’s sale (12187) in New York, a rare 1903 François Linke commode, with mounts designed by Léon Messagé sold for over $500,000. The case is Kingwood, Satiné and ebony, with inlaid marquetry and ormolu mounts. The piece is marked index number '559, Bis,' signed and the locks stamped. This is the second version of commode no.559, the original was shown with no.553 at the Paris Exposition Universelle in 1900. Research unearthed a rare drawing of the trellis marquetry with color staining of the foliage elements.
While much is made of the death of ‘brown furniture,’ in the market, rare pieces such as these with impeccable provenance and research can still fetch high prices in the market. The sale also indicates the market’s desire for high style French furniture.
