Cylinder-shaped secrétaire with inlaid cubes on all sides, forming a curvilinear reserve inlaid with end-wood branches on a satin-finish background in violet-wood frames (lifts), opening with three drawers in the upper part, a cylinder revealing three drawers and three compartments in rosewood veneer in amaranth frames and three drawers in the waist. It stands on four curved legs. Richly adorned with chased and gilded bronzes (wear) such as sabots, falls, pull handles, clasps, leafy frame mouldings and putto with globe. Signed François LINKE. Circa 1900. Height : 121 cm - Width : 107 cm - Depth : 61 cm Note : François Linke (1855-1946), a cabinetmaker by training, arrived in Paris in 1875 and opened his first workshop on rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine in 1881, before moving to 26 place Vendôme. By the time of the Paris Universal Exhibition in 1900, he had established an international reputation for the inventiveness and singularity of his creations. He collaborated with sculptor Léon Messagé. A comparable secrétaire à cylindre, Sotheby's London sale, July 10, 2013, lot 250. Literature: Christopher Payne, Linke 1855-1946, The Belle Epoque of French Furniture, London 2003, p. 174 and 422. Appraisal by Mr. Cédric HÉNON - 06 95 34 93 78 - [email protected]