The Metropolitan Museum of Art - Panel in two pieces

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.

Video/Audio (4)

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

Panel in two pieces

Date:: 15th century
Culture:: Italian
Medium:: Silk and metal thread
Dimensions:: L. 45 x W. 8 1/4 inches 114.3 x 21.0 cm Together with panel: Gr. L. 49 1/2 x Gr. W. 30 1/4 inches 125.7 x 76.8 cm
Classification:: Textiles
Credit Line:: Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1916
Accession Number:: 16.32.321b

This artwork is not on display

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The Roentgens' Dressing Table (Poudreuse)

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