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Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Demonstration

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Art Object
Program Information

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Demonstration

Program information

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).

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) 10549 views

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Demonstration

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Demonstration
(00:02:17) 16461 views

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Animation

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Animation
(00:01:00) 3008 views

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Minerva from a set of Grotesques

Probably designed in the Workshop of Perino del Vaga (Pietro Buonaccorsi)  (Italian, Florence 1501–1547 Rome)

Designer:
Adapted from designs by Raphael (Raffaello Sanzio or Santi) (Italian, Urbino 1483–1520 Rome)
Designer:
Possibly adapted from designs by Giovanni da Udine (Giovanni dei Ricamatori) (Italian, Udine 1487–1564 Rome)
Maker:
Perhaps woven in the workshop of Joost van Herzeele (Flemish, active before 1580–89)
Date:
ca. 1550
Culture:
Flemish, Brussels
Medium:
Wool, silk (17-19 warps per inch, 7-8 per cm.)
Dimensions:
H. 150 x W. 159 inches (381 x 403.9 cm)
Classification:
Textiles
Credit Line:
Bequest of Annie C. Kane, 1926
Accession Number:
26.260.59

This artwork is not on display

120010354

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