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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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Joseph and Potiphar's Wife

By or circle of Balthasar Griessmann  (Wasserburg 1620–1706 Salzburg)

Date:
second half 17th century
Culture:
Austrian
Medium:
Ivory
Dimensions:
3 11/16 x 6 7/8 in. (9.4 x 17.5 cm)
Classification:
Sculpture
Credit Line:
Purchase, Alexis Gregory Gift, 1997
Accession Number:
1997.91

This artwork is currently on display in Gallery 533

120024728

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