Why did one of the most precious pieces of French cabinet-making fall into oblivion for over 300 years? The Duchesse de Fontanges' cabinet, a masterpiece of copper and pewter marquetry, was made by Pierre Gole in the 17th century. He was one of Louis XIV's greatest cabinetmakers. In the middle of the 19th century, the collector Edouard André acquired the piece of furniture in Italy for his museum without knowing its precise history. Thanks to the research of Jean-Nérée Ronfort, an art historian, it has been known since 1985 that this cabinet was a token of love offered by the Sun King to the Duchess of Fontanges, his last mistress.