The Metropolitan Museum of Art

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) 10718 views

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Demonstration
(00:02:17) 16994 views

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Animation
(00:01:00) 3039 views

Dish

Date:: 1480–1500
Culture:: Italian, Deruta
Medium:: Tin-glazed earthenware (maiolica)
Dimensions:: Overall (confirmed): H. 3 x Diam. 15 1/4 in. (7.6 x 38.7 cm)
Classification:: Ceramics
Credit Line:: Fletcher Fund, 1946
Accession Number:: 46.85.17

This artwork is not on display

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Marking: (See catalogue cards)
Provenance

[ Stefano Bardini (until 1902; sale, Stefano Bardini collection, Christie, Manson & Woods, London, May 26, 1902, no. 99) ]; Sigismond Bardac (by 1913) ; Mortimer L. Schiff (before 1927–1946; sale, Mortimer L. Schiff collection, Parke- Bernet Galleries, Inc., New York, May 4, 1946, no. 66; to French & Co. for MMA)
See also
What
Ceramics (29,327)

Pottery (12,857)

Dishes (6,713)

Earthenware (6,693)

Glazing (3,102)

Maiolica (548)
Where
Europe (150,115)

Italy (24,988)

Umbrian (195)

Perugia (138)

Deruta (70)
When
A.D. 1400-1600 (20,612)
In the Museum
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts (43,264)
Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History
Florence and Central Italy, 1400–1600 A.D.