A Louis XVI style gilt-bronze mounted mahogany pedestal regulator clock François Linke (French, 1855-1946), with works by Dufaud, Paris, France, 1902-1910

After the 1785 model attributed to the Studio of Jean-Henri Riesener (French, 1734-1806), in three parts having gilt bronze mounts, the upper section with enamel dial inscribed, "F. Linke/ A Paris," the back with door revealing mechanism, marked, "Dufaud/ Paris/ 623," surrounded by gilt bronze celestial putti holding garlands, on plinth with swagged garlands and acanthus molding, the lower two parts comprised of a tapered pedestal with case door, on paw-form feet and raised on a shaped base with gilt bronze peg feet, decorated with gilt bronze mounts in the form of floral garlands, urns, cornocopias, horns, and foliate motifs, surmounted by bracket decorated with gilt bronze masque centering sunrays, laurel swags, and egg-and-dart molding.

H: 88 in. W: 19 1/2 in. D: 12 in.

Note

Linke produced this clock model, Index No. 852 in his archive, only three times during his career, from 1902-1910. The form was a popular example for cabinetmakers working in the Louis XVI style, with this Linke version being a rare case. The original model by Jean-Henri Riesener's Studio, created in 1785, is found in the Louvre Museum, OA 5501. For more information, see Christopher Payne, François Linke, 1855-1945: The Belle Epoque of French Furniture (Antique Collectors' Club, 2003), pg. 212.

Provenance

Private Collection, North Carolina.