The Metropolitan Museum of Art

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
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The Roentgens' Berlin Secretary Cabinet
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Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Demonstration
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Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Animation
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Vase

Edmond Lachenal (1855–1948)

Date:: ca. 1894
Culture:: French (Chantillon-sous-Bagneux)
Medium:: Lead-glazed earthenware
Dimensions:: H. 12 5/8 in. (32.1 cm)
Classification:: Ceramics
Credit Line:: Purchase, Friends of European Sculpture and Decorative Arts Gifts, 1990
Accession Number:: 1990.154

This artwork is currently on display in Gallery 556

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The Roentgens' Dressing Table (Poudreuse)

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Edmond Lachenal (1855–1948)

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The Roentgens' Dressing Table (Poudreuse)

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Vase

Edmond Lachenal (1855–1948)

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