François RÜBESTÜCK (1722–1785), admitted as a master craftsm - Lot 94

François RÜBESTÜCK (1722–1785), admitted as a master craftsman in Paris in 1766. A table known as a "tric-trac," made of curly veneer wood set within frames of light-colored wood fillets. It rests on four curved legs and features a checkerboard marquetry on one side of the top, and a small-scale gilded leather panel on the reverse side forming a writing surface. Gilded bronze ornamentation including feet, openwork sconces, and pull knobs. Late Louis XV period. H: 72.5 cm W: 87 cm D: 70.5 cm Normal wear and tear. Note: Originally from Germany, Rübestück settled in Paris, where he became a master cabinetmaker in 1766. Skilled and meticulous, he produced numerous pieces of Louis XV and Louis XVI style furniture, often adorned with black and gold lacquer featuring Chinese motifs. Although he knew how to adapt to changing fashions, his career was hampered by personal problems and alcoholism. He died poor and without an heir, his modest estate passing to the king.