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
(00:00:52)

The Roentgens' Berlin Secretary Cabinet
(00:02:20) 10549 views

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Demonstration
(00:02:17) 16461 views

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Animation
(00:01:00) 3008 views

Sampler

Date:: mid-17th century
Culture:: British
Medium:: Canvas worked with silk and metal thread; tent, cross, back, plaited braid, knots, laid work, and detached buttonhole stitches
Dimensions:: H. 21 3/4 x W. 10 5/8 inches (55.2 x 27 cm); Framed: H. 22 3/8 x W. 11 3/8 x D. 1 inch (56.8 x 29.2 x 2.5 cm)
Classification:: Textiles
Credit Line:: Gift of Irwin Untermyer, 1964
Accession Number:: 64.101.1328

This artwork is not on display

WHAT IS MYMET?

The Roentgens' Dressing Table (Poudreuse)

Sampler

Met Media

Met Kids

Met Store

WHAT IS MYMET?

Already have a mymet account? Sign in

The Roentgens' Dressing Table (Poudreuse)

Related Content

Sampler

Met Media

Met Kids

Met Store