The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Art Object

Abraham Roentgen's Writing Desk

Discover the secret compartments of this writing table and see how it can be transformed into a private altar.

Perhaps the most exquisite and technically refined piece from German cabinetmaker Abraham Roentgen (1711–1793), this desk was made for his premier patron, the Catholic official Johann Philipp von Walderdorff. Its interior holds a multitude of drawers, panels, and compartments, in addition to sophisticated mechanical fittings that safeguard the elector’s privacy.

This writing table from the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, is featured in the exhibition Extravagant Inventions: The Princely Furniture of the Roentgens (on view October 30, 2012–January 27, 2013). Learn more about the table: http://www.rijksmuseum.nl/collectie/BK-16676/bureau-op-s-vormige-poten-versierd-met-marqueterie.

Video/Audio (4)

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

The Roentgens' Berlin Secretary Cabinet
(00:02:20) 10583 views

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Demonstration
(00:02:17) 16547 views

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Animation
(00:01:00) 3012 views

Snuff spoon

Date:: ca. 1700
Culture:: British
Medium:: Silver
Dimensions:: L. 2 3/4 in. (7.0 cm)
Classification:: Metalwork
Credit Line:: Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Howard Eric, 1936
Accession Number:: 36.156.2

This artwork is not on display

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Marking: [1] I.B. (I.H., or I.E.) over pellet within a shield or heart-shaped reserve. (unidentified; see Jackson) Location of mark: On back of handle.
Provenance

[ Christie, Manson and Woods , May 20, 1936, lot no. 41; sold to Partridge ] ; Partridge (in 1936) ; Mr. and Mrs. Howard Eric (in 1936; to MMA)
See also
What
Metal (59,364)

Metalwork (14,716)

Silver (14,056)

Flatware (2,143)

Spoons (1,860)

Snuff spoons (5)
Where
Europe (148,586)

United Kingdom (25,557)

England (9,102)

Staffordshire (4,248)
When
A.D. 1600-1800 (66,179)
In the Museum
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts (43,257)
Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History
Great Britain and Ireland, 1600–1800 A.D.