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.

David Roentgen: Long-Case Clock
(00:00:52)

The Roentgens' Berlin Secretary Cabinet
(00:02:20) 10613 views

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Demonstration
(00:02:17) 16640 views

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Animation
(00:01:00) 3015 views

Showcase on stand

Date:: late 17th century
Culture:: Italian, Rome
Medium:: Walnut; carved, painted, and gilded linden wood; mirror glass
Dimensions:: H. 91 x W. 60 x D. 24-1/2 in. (231.1 x 152.4 x 62.2 cm)
Classification:: Woodwork
Credit Line:: Gift of Madame Lilliana Teruzzi, 1972
Accession Number:: 1972.73

This artwork is currently on display in Gallery 508

Description

The supporting figure shows the strong influence of sculpture on Roman Baroque furniture. This object was formerly in the collection of Prince Cesare Ludovico Ottoboni.
Provenance

Prince Cesare Ludovico Ottoboni ; Madame Lilliana Teruzzi (until 1972; to MMA)
See also
What
Glass (16,037)

Gilt (9,043)

Wood (7,651)

Furniture (5,725)

Painting (5,225)

Woodwork (2,582)

Walnut (909)

Mirrors (741)

Stands (656)
Where
Europe (148,586)

Italy (20,983)

Rome (588)
When
A.D. 1600-1800 (66,179)
In the Museum
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts (43,257)
Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History
Rome and Southern Italy, 1600–1800 A.D.
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