The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Art Object

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
(00:00:52)

The Roentgens' Berlin Secretary Cabinet
(00:02:20) 10652 views

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Demonstration
(00:02:17) 16792 views

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Animation
(00:01:00) 3020 views

Plate

Figures painted by Fra Xanto Avelli da Rovigo (ca. 1486–1582)

Artist:: After a print by Caraglio
Artist:: After a painting by Perino del Vaga (Pietro Buonaccorsi) (Italian, Florence 1501–1547 Rome)
Date:: dated 1542
Culture:: Italian (Urbino)
Medium:: Maiolica (tin-enameled earthenware)
Dimensions:: Overall (confirmed): 1 1/8 x 10 5/8 in. (2.9 x 27 cm)
Classification:: Ceramics
Credit Line:: Rogers Fund, 1904
Accession Number:: 04.9.9

This artwork is not on display

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The Roentgens' Dressing Table (Poudreuse)

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Figures painted by Fra Xanto Avelli da Rovigo (ca. 1486–1582)

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The Roentgens' Dressing Table (Poudreuse)

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Plate

Figures painted by Fra Xanto Avelli da Rovigo (ca. 1486–1582)

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