The Metropolitan Museum of Art - Cup with cover

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) 10613 views

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Demonstration

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Demonstration
(00:02:17) 16640 views

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Animation

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Animation
(00:01:00) 3015 views

Related Content

Browse current and upcoming exhibitions and events.

Great Rooms: European Decorative Arts
May 22, 2013
Great Rooms: European Decorative Arts
May 23, 2013
Great Rooms: European Decorative Arts
May 24, 2013
Great Rooms: European Decorative Arts
May 28, 2013
Great Rooms: European Decorative Arts
May 29, 2013
Great Rooms: European Decorative Arts
May 30, 2013

Cup with cover

Vienna

Factory director:: Du Paquier period (1718–1744)
Date:: ca.1730–35
Culture:: Austrian (Vienna)
Medium:: Hard-paste porcelain
Dimensions:: H. with cover 4 in. (10.2 cm.); Diam. 3-3/4 in. (9.5 cm.)
Classification:: Ceramics
Credit Line:: Rogers Fund, 1940
Accession Number:: 40.65.1 ab

This artwork is currently on display in Gallery 533

120013625