Dressing table piano
ALTERNATE NAME(S)
- Powder room piano
Date1815 ca.
Place MadeGermany, Europe
MarkingsStamped on metal plaque screwed to front rim of case: PIANO AND POWDER TABLE 1815DescriptionEuropean dressing tables first became popular in the 17th century. No more than a century later, these typically diminutive, but well-crafted tables also began to reflect one’s higher social status. Both King Louis XV’s mistress, Madame de Pompadour, and King Louis XVI’s wife, Marie Antoinette, popularized the ritual of undertaking one’s morning toilette at dressing tables, some of which also contained hidden mirrors, writing desks, materials for sewing, basins for water, and even small pianos!
A combination dressing table and small piano. A drawer with trays to hold a variety of dressing-table items lies on top of the keyboard. Piano folds up like a suitcase, with legs removable. Viennese action.
ProvenanceRonald A. Larsen, Rockford, Illinois
Credit LinePurchase funds gift of Jo Wohlenberg, 2021
Object number15599
On View
On view
1880-1900 ca.
