Born in Heinsberg, Germany, Jean-François Oeben relocated to Paris where he established himself as a master cabinetmaker. He gained significant professional standing during the reign of Louis XV, eventually earning the prestigious title of ébéniste du roi and working extensively for the French royal court.

Oeben is recognized for his technical precision in marquetry, particularly his use of floral motifs and intricate geometric patterns. He was also a pioneer in the development of complex mechanical furniture, including desks with hidden compartments and sophisticated locking mechanisms.

His legacy persists through his influence on the development of the Louis XV and early Louis XVI styles. His workshop served as a training ground for several notable cabinetmakers of the period, and his surviving pieces remain central to the study of 18th-century French decorative arts.