Search the collections

Videos (3)
The Roentgens' Rolltop Desk

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

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.

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) 10702 views

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Demonstration

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Demonstration
(00:02:17) 16956 views

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Animation

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Animation
(00:01:00) 3033 views

Related Content

Virgin of the Immaculate Conception

Virgin of the Immaculate Conception

Saint Peter

Saint Peter

Saint Peter

Saint Peter

Saints Peter and Andrew

Saints Peter and Andrew

The Mater Dolorosa and St. John the Evangelist

The Mater Dolorosa and St. John the Evangelist

Browse current and upcoming exhibitions and events.

Exhibitions:

Events:

Events:

Saint Michael

Probably by Gaetano Fumo  (active 1737–59)

Date:
1740–45
Culture:
Italian (Naples)
Medium:
Silver
Dimensions:
Overall: 12 1/4 x 5 1/2 x 5 1/2 in. (31.1 x 14 x 14 cm)
Classification:
Sculpture
Credit Line:
Purchase, Bequest of Louis Einstein, by exchange, 1976
Accession Number:
1976.46a, b

This artwork is currently on display in Gallery 550

120022444

Close