Louis XV Walnut Showcase Corner Cabinet with Cubic Marquetry by Oeben, 18th Century

Magnificent Louis XV period window in walnut with cut sides and double body.
It supports on its upper body a cornice with a pediment in the form of a hat, framing a cartouche of marquetry of cubes in perspective called the Oeben cubes.

The two asymmetrical leaves of the upper body, soberly molded, frame a glass panel of imposing dimensions for this period as well as an egg-shaped glass. 
The panels of the two leaves of the lower body also frame a glass panel.
Both parts lock.
It has two shelves.

Period : Louis XV – Transition – XVIIIth century
Dimensions : H :248 x W :118 x D :82cm

This piece of furniture remains remarkable in its whole by the very great quality of the cabinet making and its cartouche in marquetry.

Its marquetry with geometric patterns of very contemporary appearance are inspired by a marquetry technique particularly appreciated at the time of the Louis XVI style. 

The marquetry of Mr. Jean François Oeben is among the most famous of the 18th century. He specialized in more and more geometrical techniques and made it a real specificity that will definitely mark his style. 

He became the king’s cabinetmaker from 1761 to 1763.

Despite its apparent simplicity, this technique is absolutely difficult, being composed of 3 rhombuses forming a cube in perspective in the form of a hexagon. 

The difficulty lies in the repetitive geometrical movement that brings out any small shift.

The cube decoration attests without question, the furniture of the Louis XV or Transition period.