The Metropolitan Museum of Art - Pair of tea caddies (part of a set)

Art Object

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Demonstration

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).

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Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Demonstration
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Pair of tea caddies (part of a set)

John Scofield (active 1776–96)

Date:: 1790–91
Culture:: British, London
Medium:: Silver
Dimensions:: a) 4 3/8 x 4 15/16 in. (11.1 x 12.5 cm); Diam. 3 15/16 in. (10 cm); b) 4 3/8 x 4 7/8 in. (11.1 x 12.4 cm); Diam. 3 15/16 in. (10 cm)
Classification:: Metalwork
Credit Line:: Helen Flynn Conway Collection, Bequest of Helen Flynn Conway, 1966
Accession Number:: 66.158.8a, b

This artwork is not on display

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Inscription: Monogram on front of each canister: H J W or H F W (in script) surmounted by a crest. 15/35; EL/-/- (on base of canisters)

Marking: [1] leopard's head crowned; [2] Lion passant; [3] P, London date letter for 1790-91; [4] I.S., maker's mark for John Scofield; [5] I.S. maker's mark for John Scofield; [6] Lion passant; Location of marks: [1]-[4] on bases of canisters; [5]-[6] on bottom of lid
Provenance

Helen Flynn Conway (until 1966; bequeathed to MMA)
See also
Who
John Scofield (3)
What
Metal (59,364)

Metalwork (14,716)

Silver (14,056)

Caddies (164)

Tea caddies (115)
Where
Europe (148,586)

United Kingdom (25,557)

England (9,102)

London (2,006)
When
A.D. 1600-1800 (66,179)
In the Museum
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts (43,257)
Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History
English Silver, 1600–1800

Great Britain and Ireland, 1600–1800 A.D.

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Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Demonstration

Pair of tea caddies (part of a set)

John Scofield (active 1776–96)

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Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Demonstration

Related Content

Pair of tea caddies (part of a set)

John Scofield (active 1776–96)

Met Media

Met Kids

Met Store