The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Art Object

Demonstration of the Roentgens' Dressing Table (Poudreuse)

See how this desk converts into a dressing table.

When closed, this table may not seem like one of the most complex pieces of European furniture ever made. However, once opened, its concealed drawers and hidden features are exposed, and the entire piece transforms into a dressing table, orpoudreuse. Scholars believe it was commissioned as a wedding gift from Abraham (1711–1793) and David Roentgen (1743–1807) by Friedrich August III, Elector of Saxony, to his bride in 1769.

This table, from Museum für Angewandte Kunst, Frankfurt, is featured in the exhibition Extravagant Inventions: The Princely Furniture of the Roentgens (on view October 30, 2012–January 27, 2013).

Images courtesy of Museum für Angewandte Kunst, Frankfurt.

Video/Audio (4)

David Roentgen: Long-Case Clock
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Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Demonstration
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Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Animation
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Centerpiece

Cozzi manufactory (1764–1812)

Date:: ca. 1770–80
Culture:: Italian, Venice
Medium:: Hard-paste porcelain
Dimensions:: H. 11 9/16 in. (29.4 cm.); W. 6 7/8 in. (17.5 cm.)
Classification:: Ceramics
Credit Line:: Bequest of R. Thornton Wilson, in memory of his wife, Florence Ellsworth Wilson, 1977
Accession Number:: 1977.216.37

This artwork is not on display

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Demonstration of the Roentgens' Dressing Table (Poudreuse)

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Cozzi manufactory (1764–1812)

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Demonstration of the Roentgens' Dressing Table (Poudreuse)

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Centerpiece

Cozzi manufactory (1764–1812)

Met Media

Met Kids

Met Store