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.

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Mug

I. S., London (ca. 1684–1689)

Date:: 1684–85
Culture:: British, London
Medium:: Silver gilt
Dimensions:: H. 4 in. (10.2 cm)
Classification:: Metalwork
Credit Line:: Gift of Irwin Untermyer, 1968
Accession Number:: 68.141.212

This artwork is not on display

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Marking: [1] Leopard's head crowned; [2] Lion passant; [3] g in pointed shield (date letter for 1684-85); [4] IS, a pillar between Location of marks: On underside of base
Provenance

Lord Belhaven and Stenton (until 1963; sale, Christie's, October 16, 1963, no. 171) ; [ S. J. Phillips (until 1964; to Irwin Untermyer, January 24, 1964) ] ; Irwin Untermyer (1964–68; to MMA)
See also
Who
I. S., London (1)
What
Metal (59,483)

Metalwork (14,681)

Silver (14,046)

Gilt (9,077)

Drinking vessels (6,031)

Cups (3,858)

Mugs (248)
Where
Europe (150,372)

United Kingdom (25,690)

England (6,147)

London (2,016)
When
A.D. 1600-1800 (67,128)
In the Museum
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts (43,228)
Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History
Great Britain and Ireland, 1600–1800 A.D.
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Demonstration of the Roentgens' Dressing Table (Poudreuse)

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I. S., London (ca. 1684–1689)

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Demonstration of the Roentgens' Dressing Table (Poudreuse)

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Mug

I. S., London (ca. 1684–1689)

Met Media

Met Kids

Met Store