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The Roentgens' Rolltop Desk

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Art Object
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The Roentgens' Rolltop Desk

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Watch as this desk's hidden features are revealed.

The richly embellished surface of this rolltop desk conceals a wealth of mechanical surprises and features, including a spectacular arrangement of almost forty compartments and drawers. Abraham (1711–1793) and David Roentgen (1743–1807) designed this table not just for writing and reading but also to function as a dressing table, or poudreuse.

This table, from Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens in Washington, D.C., is featured in the exhibition Extravagant Inventions: The Princely Furniture of the Roentgens (on view October 30, 2012–January 27, 2013).

Learn more about this object: http://trio.hillwoodmuseum.org/detail.php?t=objects&type=related&kv=13072

Footage courtesy of Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens.

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Portable diptych sundial

Hans Troschel the Elder  (1549–1612)

Date:
ca. 1598
Culture:
German, Nuremberg
Medium:
Ivory, brass
Dimensions:
L. 3-1/2 x W. 2-3/8 in. (8.9 x 6.0 cm)
Classification:
Horology
Credit Line:
Gift of Mrs. Stephen D. Tucker, 1903
Accession Number:
03.21.38

This artwork is currently on display in Gallery 520

120003258

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