Search the collections

Videos (3)
Demonstration of 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

Demonstration of 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) 10702 views

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Demonstration

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Demonstration
(00:02:17) 16956 views

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Animation

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Animation
(00:01:00) 3033 views

Related Content

Platter with rack (part of a service)

Platter with rack (part of a service)

Platter (part of a service)

Platter (part of a service)

Platter

Platter

Platter (part of a service)

Platter (part of a service)

Platter

Platter

Browse current and upcoming exhibitions and events.

Exhibitions:

Events:

Events:

Platter (part of a service)

Date:
1760–70
Culture:
Chinese
Medium:
Hard-paste porcelain
Dimensions:
W. 12 in. (30.5 cm.); L. 14 9/16 in. (37.0 cm.)
Classification:
Ceramics
Credit Line:
Helena Woolworth McCann Collection, Gift of Winfield Foundation, 1951
Accession Number:
51.86.146

This artwork is not on display

120016314

Close