An upcoming auction showcasing an array of extravagant furniture, decorations and paintings reflecting the lavishness of the Belle Époque period will be held at Doyle’s New York galleries on February 24.
Belle Époque, French for “Beautiful Era,” was a period in European history after the French-German war 1870–1871 and before the sinking of the Titanic in 1912 and the beginning of the first world war in 1914. It was a period where peace and affluence flourished among the major powers of Europe. It was also a period where Art Nouveau peaked in popularity and a number of exquisite decorative arts were produced.
Highlighting the sale is an impressive Louis XVI style gilt-bronze mounted parquetry inlaid side cabinet attributed to François Linke (1855–1946), arguably the leading cabinetmaker of the Belle Époque. With a rectangular marble top of break front outline above a conforming case enclosing three frieze drawers the cabinet is decorated with scrolling bacchic vines. Two cupboard doors with floral garlands centering an oval plaque depict an allegorical figure of a sacrifice to Love. (Estimate: $30,000–50,000).
Representing Tiffany Studios is an attractive gilt-bronze and leaded Favrile glass desk lamp in the Venetian pattern, bronze desk accessories, and Favrile art glass, including a Tel el Amarna vase.
