Rare Arbalete Commode by Francois Garnier

One of only three of its kind, this commode was crafted by the famed and highly celebrated ébéniste François Linke. Blending the stunning marquetry of the Louis XV and XVI styles with the elegance of Art Nouveau, the commode exemplifies Linke's skilled craftsmanship. Inspired by François Alix's iconic "Meuble Soleil" design, Linke's creation showcases his signature genius in every aspect of the commode's construction. The superior quality of the breche marble shelves and top, marquetry and ormolu that form the undulating body of the cabinet serve as a testament to Linke’s unwavering dedication to perfection. The craftsman spared no expense, investing significant time and utilizing only the finest materials to create this work of art. Tens of thousands of hand-wrought chisel marks are visible within the ormolu frieze of scrolling foliage. The breathtaking marquetry landscape on the front is perhaps the commode's greatest feature, depicting a radiant sun bursting from behind trees, elegantly enhanced by Linke's unmistakable signature on the lower right molding and on the inside of the inner cabinets. For Linke, winning the coveted Gold Medal at the 1900 Paris Exhibition Universelle confirmed his already solid reputation as France's leading ébéniste. His work had long been admired for its exceptional quality and unique interpretation of the Louis XV style. Born in Bohemia in 1855, Linke moved to Paris in 1881 where he established his now-famous workshop and showroom. Word of Linke's superior work spread quickly through France, and he soon eclipsed even the finest furniture houses in Paris. Today, Linke is counted among the most important furniture makers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and his work is dearly coveted by collectors. As one of the most masterful furniture designers and bronziers of his time, François Alix would only supply designs and bronze pieces to the most skilled of his contemporaries. Linke chose this unique design personally and only produced three versions of this remarkable piece, with the first one crafted in 1910. A similar commode is housed in the Royal Collection Trust...

This William and Mary-period chest is distinguished by oyster veneering and circular inlay. Intersecting circles are inlaid into the veneers on the drawer fronts and on top of the ch...

A Danish 18th century commode in the arbalete form. This piece is soundly constructed in painted wood. The patina and painted finished are wonderful. Wh...

A Fine Louis XVI Style gilt bronze Mounted Commode after a Model by Jean-François Leleu. French, circa 1870. This important commode has a moulded rectangular Brocatelle Violette du Jura marble top above a frieze drawer with a pierced foliate cast panel, above two panelled long drawers quarter-veneered sans travers. The fluted angles of the commode are headed by scrolled acanthus cast clasps and it is raised on turned tapering legs with toupie feet. The commode is based on the celebrated 18th century model, by Jean-François Leleu (1729-1807), now conserved at the Petit Trianon at Versailles. It was placed there in 1867 following an exhibition organised at the request of Empress Eugénie in memory of Queen Marie-Antoinette. The commode was further exhibited in Paris in the retrospective part of the Exposition de l' Union centrale des arts décoratifs in 1882. Literature: Exposition de l' Union centrale des arts décoratifs, (Paris), 1882. De Champeau & Others. Les arts du bois, pub. Quantin, 1883; p. 80. P. Arizzoli-Clementel. Versailles Furniture...