Search the collections

Videos (3)
Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Animation

Close

<p>Please enable flash to view this media. <a href="http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/">Download the flash player.</a></p>

Please enable flash to view this media. Download the flash player.

Art Object
Program Information

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Animation

Program information

The inventive talents of David Roentgen are evident in this exceptionally refined desk. The monogram "DR" inlaid beneath the keyhole on the lower drawer indicates the cabinetmaker's satisfaction with one of his most mechanically ingenuous creations: a single key inserted at different depths unlocks the center drawer, releases the rolltop, or releases the hidden side drawers; if a button is pressed on the underside of these drawers, each swings aside to reveal three other drawers. Above the rolltop, the rectangular structure consists of a single wide drawer. The artist's creativity is evident in the chinoiserie marquetry scenes, created by using minute pieces of naturally colored exotic woods that have a painterly effect.

See Collections to learn more about this desk.

This desk is featured in the exhibition Extravagant Inventions: The Princely Furniture of the Roentgens (on view October 30, 2012–January 27, 2013).

David Roentgen: Long-Case Clock

David Roentgen: Long-Case Clock
(00:00:52)

The Roentgens' Berlin Secretary Cabinet

The Roentgens' Berlin Secretary Cabinet
(00:02:20) 11524 views

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Demonstration

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Demonstration
(00:02:17) 18103 views

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Animation

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Animation
(00:01:00) 3147 views

Related Content

Snuffbox

Snuffbox

Snuffbox

Snuffbox

Snuffbox

Snuffbox

Snuffbox

Snuffbox

Snuffbox

Snuffbox

Browse current and upcoming exhibitions and events.

Exhibitions:

Events:

Events:

Snuffbox

Saint-Cloud 

Date:
ca. 1740
Culture:
French (Saint-Cloud)
Medium:
Soft-paste porcelain, copper gilt
Dimensions:
H. 1 7/16 in. (3.7 cm.); Diam. 2 in. (5.1 cm.); L. 3 1/4 in. (8.3 cm.)
Classification:
Ceramics
Credit Line:
The Lesley and Emma Sheafer Collection, Bequest of Emma A. Sheafer, 1973
Accession Number:
1974.356.551

This artwork is currently on display in Gallery 530

120022088

Close