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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Ladle

Jacques-Nicolas Roettiers (1736–1788, master 1765, retired 1777)

Date:: 1775–76
Culture:: French (Paris)
Medium:: Silver
Dimensions:: L. 14-15/16 in. (37.9 cm.)
Classification:: Metalwork
Credit Line:: Gift of Mrs. Reginald McVitty and Estate of Janet C. Livingston, 1976
Accession Number:: 1976.357.2

This artwork is not on display

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Marking: [1] Fleur-de-lis, 2 grains de remède, J N R, device a sheaf of wheat (maker's mark) [2] PARIS in cipher (Paris charge mark for gold and small silver, 1774-80) [3] Crowned M (Paris warden's mark, 1775-76) [4] Monkey's head (Paris discharge mark for gold and small silver, 1774-80) Location of marks: All marks on back of bowl
Provenance

Robert R. Livingston ; Mrs. Reginald McVitty ; and Estate of Janet C. Livingston (until 1976; to MMA)
See also
Who
Jacques-Nicolas Roettiers (8)
What
Metal (59,364)

Metalwork (14,716)

Silver (14,056)

Ladles (139)
Where
Europe (148,586)

France (52,276)

Paris (2,025)
When
A.D. 1600-1800 (66,179)
In the Museum
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts (43,257)
Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History
France, 1600–1800 A.D.
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Demonstration of the Roentgens' Dressing Table (Poudreuse)

Ladle

Jacques-Nicolas Roettiers (1736–1788, master 1765, retired 1777)

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Demonstration of the Roentgens' Dressing Table (Poudreuse)

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Ladle

Jacques-Nicolas Roettiers (1736–1788, master 1765, retired 1777)

Met Media

Met Kids

Met Store