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.

Video/Audio (4)

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Covered bowl

James Shruder (active 1737–49)

Date:: 1737
Culture:: British, London
Medium:: Silver gilt
Dimensions:: Overall (wt. confirmed): H. 6 x D. 5 9/16 in., Wt. 26.791oz. (15.2 x 14.1 cm, 759.5g)
Classification:: Metalwork
Credit Line:: Bequest of Irwin Untermyer, 1973
Accession Number:: 1974.28.185a, b

This artwork is currently on display in Gallery 510

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Marking: [1] b in pointed shield; [2] Leopard's head crowned in pointed shield; [3] Lion passant in rectangle; [4] IS pellet below in shaped shield Location of marks: On underside of bowl (there are no marks on the cover)
See also
Who
James Shruder (1)
What
Metal (59,587)

Vessels (21,925)

Metalwork (14,690)

Silver (14,059)

Gilt (9,067)

Bowls (5,015)

Covered bowls (91)
Where
Europe (150,013)

United Kingdom (25,747)

England (9,106)

London (2,008)
When
A.D. 1600-1800 (66,646)
In the Museum
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts (43,264)
Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History
Great Britain and Ireland, 1600–1800 A.D.

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Demonstration of the Roentgens' Dressing Table (Poudreuse)

Covered bowl

James Shruder (active 1737–49)

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Demonstration of the Roentgens' Dressing Table (Poudreuse)

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Covered bowl

James Shruder (active 1737–49)

Met Media

Met Kids

Met Store