The Metropolitan Museum of Art - Writing table (Bureau plat)

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.

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

The Roentgens' Berlin Secretary Cabinet
(00:02:20) 10523 views

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Demonstration
(00:02:17) 16384 views

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Animation
(00:01:00) 3001 views

Writing table (Bureau plat)

Bernard II van Risenburgh (ca. 1696–ca. 1767)

Date:: ca. 1750
Culture:: French (Paris)
Medium:: Satiné wood, purplewood and kingwood, gilt bronze, leather
Dimensions:: 29-3/4 x 54-1/2 x 28-1/2 in. (75.6 x 138.4 x 72.4 cm)
Classification:: Woodwork
Credit Line:: The Lesley and Emma Sheafer Collection, Bequest of Emma A. Sheafer, 1973
Accession Number:: 1974.356.186

This artwork is not on display

WHAT IS MYMET?

The Roentgens' Dressing Table (Poudreuse)

Writing table (Bureau plat)

Bernard II van Risenburgh (ca. 1696–ca. 1767)

Met Media

Met Kids

Met Store

WHAT IS MYMET?

Already have a mymet account? Sign in

The Roentgens' Dressing Table (Poudreuse)

Related Content

Writing table (Bureau plat)

Bernard II van Risenburgh (ca. 1696–ca. 1767)

Met Media

Met Kids

Met Store