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The Roentgens' Rolltop Desk

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Art Object
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The Roentgens' Rolltop Desk

Program information

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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Sèvres Manufactory  (French, 1740–present)

Artist:
After a design by Jean-Claude Duplessis (active 1748–74)
Date:
ca. 1761
Culture:
French (Sèvres)
Medium:
Soft-paste porcelain, gilt bronze
Dimensions:
H. 17 in. (43.2 cm.), W. 10 1/2 in. (26.7 cm.)
Classification:
Ceramics
Credit Line:
Gift of Samuel H. Kress Foundation, 1958
Accession Number:
58.75.65

This artwork is not on display

120017514

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