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.

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Chalice

Date:: mid-17th century
Culture:: Mexican
Medium:: Silver gilt, enamel
Dimensions:: H. 10 11/16 in. (27.1 cm)
Classification:: Metalwork
Credit Line:: The Friedsam Collection, Bequest of Michael Friedsam, 1931
Accession Number:: 32.100.230

This artwork is currently on display in Gallery 535

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Marking: [1] Head and M between two columns under a crown (somewhat indistinct)., Location of marks: On bolt connecting knop to foot and on inner basin of foot. Notes on marks: This mark closely resemble a mark attributed to XVII century Mexico by Artiñano (see Refs.). Similar marks also in Fernández (see Refs.).
See also
What
Metal (59,364)

Metalwork (14,716)

Silver (14,056)

Gilt (9,043)

Enamel (1,662)

Chalices (151)
Where
North and Central America (81,404)

Mexico (1,973)
When
A.D. 1600-1800 (66,179)
In the Museum
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts (43,257)
Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History
Mexico and Central America, 1600–1800 A.D.