The Metropolitan Museum of Art - Samuel Bernard (1651

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.

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Samuel Bernard (1651–1739)

Guillaume Coustou the Elder (French, Lyons 1677–1746 Paris)

Date:: ca. 1727
Culture:: French, Paris
Medium:: Marble
Dimensions:: Overall without base (confirmed): H. 36 1/8 x W. 27 7/8 x D. 14 5/8 in. (91.8 x 70.8 x 37.1 cm); Height with base (confirmed): 37 3/4 in. (95.9 cm)
Classification:: Sculpture
Credit Line:: Purchase, Josephine Bay Paul and C. Michael Paul Foundation Inc. Gift and Charles Ulrick and Josephine Bay Foundation Inc. Gift, 1966
Accession Number:: 66.210a, b

This artwork is currently on display in Gallery 549

Description

The banker Samuel Bernard was made a member of the Order of Saint-Michel in 1702. This bust was probably carved on the occasion of his second marriage in 1720.
Provenance

Samuel Bernard, comte de Coubert (ca. 1726–d. 1739) ; his descendants the comtes de Coubert (from 1739) ; comte Félix de Forestier de Coubert (recorded in 1914) ; comte Guy de Forestier de Coubert (in 1937) ; [ Wildenstein and Co., Inc. , New York (until 1966; sold to MMA) ]
See also
Who
Guillaume Coustou the Elder (2)
What
Sculpture (24,342)

Figures (5,015)

Marble (2,133)

Busts (558)
Where
Europe (150,372)

France (49,614)

Paris (2,005)
When
A.D. 1600-1800 (67,128)
In the Museum
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts (43,228)
Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History
France, 1600–1800 A.D.
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Demonstration of the Roentgens' Dressing Table (Poudreuse)

Samuel Bernard (1651–1739)

Guillaume Coustou the Elder (French, Lyons 1677–1746 Paris)

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Demonstration of the Roentgens' Dressing Table (Poudreuse)

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Samuel Bernard (1651–1739)

Guillaume Coustou the Elder (French, Lyons 1677–1746 Paris)

Met Media

Met Kids

Met Store