The Facts Behind the Fantasy

Jean-Francois Oeben (1715-1763 ) was born in Germany yet immigrated to Paris in search of a prestigious career. Despite his raw talent and impeccable skill, it was only after marring the sister of an ebeniste (royal cabinetmaker) that he himself was appointed as such. To encourage his artistry his royal warrant gave him permission to build his own forge. This honor gave license for Oeben to cast his own metal fittings witch to all of our great fortune allowed him to crate the intricate fittings needed for his mechanical tables and furnishings.

Fact: The same key used to open the secret compartments hidden within Oeben's creation was also used to wind up the spring loaded mechanisms that brought each piece of his artistry to life.

Fact: Oeben created an intricate mechanical armchair to help out a young disabled Duke of Burgandy.

Fun Fact: Jean-Francois used oak as the primary wood in his mechanical tables. At a compressive strength of 7,440 PSI his creation would be sturdy enough for Catalina to influence even the most conservative of clients.