The Metropolitan Museum of Art - Standing shelf (one of a pair)

Art Object

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.

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Standing shelf (one of a pair)

William Linnell (ca. 1703–1763)

Maker:: and John Linnell (British, 1737–1796)
Date:: ca. 1753–54
Culture:: British
Medium:: Lacquered and painted pine, mahogany and British walnut
Dimensions:: H. 59 x W. 23 x D. 10-1/2 in. (149.9 x 58.4 x 26.7 cm)
Classification:: Woodwork
Credit Line:: Gift of Irwin Untermyer, 1964
Accession Number:: 64.101.1124

This artwork is currently on display in Gallery 514

Description

Supplied to the fourth Duke of Beaufort (1709-1756), the set of japanned furniture for the Chinese Bedroom at Badminton House, Gloucestershire, included a bed, eight armchairs, two pairs of standing shelves, and a dressing commode.
Provenance

Badminton House, Gloucestershire, EnglandDuke(s) of Beaufort , Badminton House, Gloucestershire (ca. 1753/4–1921) ; [sale, Christie's, London , June 30, 1921, lot 50 (or 51), to Partridge] ; [ Frank Partridge , in 1921] ; Irwin Untermyer , New York (until 1964; to MMA)
See also
Who
John Linnell (6)

William Linnell (4)
What
Wood (7,651)

Furniture (5,725)

Painting (5,225)

Woodwork (2,582)

Softwood (1,177)

Mahogany (974)

Walnut (909)

Pine (890)

Shelves (16)
Where
Europe (148,586)

United Kingdom (25,557)

England (9,102)

Staffordshire (4,248)
When
A.D. 1600-1800 (66,179)
In the Museum
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts (43,257)
Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History
Great Britain and Ireland, 1600–1800 A.D.
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William Linnell (ca. 1703–1763)

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The Roentgens' Dressing Table (Poudreuse)

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Standing shelf (one of a pair)

William Linnell (ca. 1703–1763)

Met Media

Met Kids

Met Store