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) 10679 views

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Demonstration

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

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Animation

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

Related Content

Minerva receiving Holy Roman Emperor Francis II (1768–1835) (r. 1792–1804), afterwards Emperor Francis I of Austria, (r. 1804–35)

Minerva receiving Holy Roman Emperor Francis II (1768–1835) (r. 1792–1804), afterwards Emperor Francis I of Austria, (r. 1804–35)

Cameo medallion

Cameo medallion

Cameo medallion

Cameo medallion

Augustus, Viscount Keppel

Augustus, Viscount Keppel

Sir Joseph Banks

Sir Joseph Banks

Browse current and upcoming exhibitions and events.

Exhibitions:

Events:

Events:

Prince of Wales, later George IV (1762–1830)

Manufacturer: Josiah Wedgwood and Sons  (1759–present)

Modeler:
John Flaxman (British, York 1755–1826 London)
Date:
late 18th century
Culture:
British, Etruria, Staffordshire
Medium:
Jasperware
Dimensions:
5 3/8 x 4 1/8 in. (13.7 x 10.5 cm)
Classification:
Ceramics
Credit Line:
Bequest of George D. Pratt, 1935
Accession Number:
45.174.36

This artwork is not on display

120014784

Close