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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: Demonstration

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Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Animation

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Animation
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Table

Attributed to Pierre Gole  (ca. 1620–1684)

Date:
ca. 1660
Culture:
French (Paris)
Medium:
Oak and fruitwood veneered with tortoiseshell, stained and natural ivory, ebony and other woods; gilt bronze mounts
Dimensions:
30 7/8 x 41 1/8 x 27 in. (78.4 x 104.6 x 68.6 cm)
Classification:
Woodwork
Credit Line:
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wrightsman, 1986
Accession Number:
1986.38.1

This artwork is currently on display in Gallery 531

120023690

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