Search the collections

Videos (3)
The Roentgens' Dressing Table (Poudreuse)

Close

<p>Please enable flash to view this media. <a href="http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/">Download the flash player.</a></p>

Please enable flash to view this media. Download the flash player.

Art Object
Program Information

The Roentgens' Dressing Table (Poudreuse)

Program information

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.

David Roentgen: Long-Case Clock

David Roentgen: Long-Case Clock
(00:00:52)

The Roentgens' Berlin Secretary Cabinet

The Roentgens' Berlin Secretary Cabinet
(00:02:20) 10549 views

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Demonstration

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Demonstration
(00:02:17) 16461 views

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Animation

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Animation
(00:01:00) 3008 views

Related Content

Virgin and Child

Virgin and Child

Saint Sebastian

Saint Sebastian

Virgin and Child

Virgin and Child

Cosimo I de' Medici

Cosimo I de' Medici

Browse current and upcoming exhibitions and events.

Exhibitions:

Events:

Events:

Male saint

Francesco Marti  (active 1489–1516)

Date:
early 16th century
Culture:
Italian, Lucca
Medium:
Gilt bronze
Dimensions:
H. 2-3/8 in. (6 cm.); W. 2-3/4 in. (7 cm.)
Classification:
Medals and Plaquettes
Credit Line:
Rogers Fund, 1918
Accession Number:
18.70.14

This artwork is currently on display in Gallery 500

120009241

Close