The Metropolitan Museum of Art - Condiment jar (one of a pair)

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
(00:00:52)

The Roentgens' Berlin Secretary Cabinet
(00:02:20) 10679 views

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Demonstration
(00:02:17) 16910 views

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Animation
(00:01:00) 3027 views

Condiment jar (one of a pair)

Höchst Manufactory

Maker:: After an original by Johann Joachim Kändler (German, Fischbach 1706–1775 Meissen)
Date:: ca. 1750–55
Culture:: German (Höchst)
Medium:: Hard-paste porcelain
Dimensions:: H. 6-1/4 in. (15.9 cm.)
Classification:: Ceramics
Credit Line:: Purchase, Anita M. Linzee Bequest, 1940
Accession Number:: 40.169.2

This artwork is not on display

WHAT IS MYMET?

Demonstration of the Roentgens' Dressing Table (Poudreuse)

Condiment jar (one of a pair)

Höchst Manufactory

Met Media

Met Kids

Met Store

WHAT IS MYMET?

Already have a mymet account? Sign in

Demonstration of the Roentgens' Dressing Table (Poudreuse)

Related Content

Condiment jar (one of a pair)

Höchst Manufactory

Met Media

Met Kids

Met Store