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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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Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Animation

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Side table

Side table

Commode (Commode à Vantaux)

Commode (Commode à Vantaux)

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Commode (Commode à vantaux)

Adam Weisweiler  (1744–1820, master cabinetmaker 1778–after 1810)

Former Attribution:
Pierre Gouthière (1732–1813/14)
Maker:
Mounts attributed perhaps to Pierre Rémond (1745/47–1812)
Date:
ca. 1790
Culture:
French (Paris)
Medium:
Oak veneered with ebony, amaranth, holly, ebonized holly, satinwood, Japanese and French lacquer, gilt bronze, brocatelle marble top (not original); steel springs; morocco leather (not original)
Dimensions:
H. 38-3/8 in. (97.5 cm); W. 58-5/8 in. (148.9 cm); D. 22-1/4 in.(56.5 cm)
Classification:
Woodwork
Credit Line:
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wrightsman, 1977
Accession Number:
1977.1.12

This artwork is currently on display in Gallery 524

120022673

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