The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Art Object

The Roentgens' Rolltop Desk

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.

David Roentgen: Long-Case Clock
(00:00:52)

The Roentgens' Berlin Secretary Cabinet
(00:02:20) 11562 views

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Demonstration
(00:02:17) 18147 views

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Animation
(00:01:00) 3152 views

Tankard

Probably by Hanss Lambrecht III (working 1630–70)

Date:: mid-17th century
Culture:: German (Hamburg)
Medium:: Silver, parcel gilt
Dimensions:: 8 5/8 in. (21.9 cm)
Classification:: Metalwork
Credit Line:: The Collection of Giovanni P. Morosini, presented by his daughter Giulia, 1932
Accession Number:: 32.75.83

This artwork is currently on display in Gallery 533

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The Roentgens' Rolltop Desk

Tankard

Probably by Hanss Lambrecht III (working 1630–70)

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The Roentgens' Rolltop Desk

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Tankard

Probably by Hanss Lambrecht III (working 1630–70)

Met Media

Met Kids

Met Store