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) 10523 views

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Demonstration

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Demonstration
(00:02:17) 16384 views

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Animation

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Animation
(00:01:00) 3001 views

Related Content

Settee

Settee

Settee

Settee

Settee

Settee

Settee (part of a set)

Settee (part of a set)

Set of five side chairs

Set of five side chairs

Browse current and upcoming exhibitions and events.

Exhibitions:

Events:

Events:

Settee

Date:
ca. 1710
Culture:
British or Irish
Medium:
Frame: walnut; cover: wool tent stitch on canvas
Dimensions:
50-1/4 x 48-1/4 x 22-3/4 in. (127.6 x 122.6 x 57.8 cm)
Classification:
Woodwork
Credit Line:
Gift of Irwin Untermyer, 1964
Accession Number:
64.101.901

This artwork is not on display

120019244

Close