The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Art Object

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Animation

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
(00:00:52)

The Roentgens' Berlin Secretary Cabinet
(00:02:20) 10523 views

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Demonstration
(00:02:17) 16384 views

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Animation
(00:01:00) 3001 views

Madonna and Child

Benedetto da Maiano (Italian, Maiano 1442–1497 Florence)

Date:: ca. 1490
Culture:: Italian, Florence
Medium:: Marble, painted background
Dimensions:: Overall (confirmed): H. 28 x W. 21 1/2 x D. 6 in., 140lb. (71.1 x 54.6 x 15.2 cm, 63.5036kg)
Classification:: Sculpture
Credit Line:: Bequest of George Blumenthal, 1941
Accession Number:: 41.190.137

This artwork is not on display

Description

This Madonna, though quite stained (probably as the result of zealous cleanings involving the use of oil), preserves a rare feature in the imitation textile pattern that adorns the back and gives the group added relief.
Provenance

Duke of Montpensier (by 1892–1913) ; George and Florence Blumenthal , New York (by 1926, until her death in 1930) ; George Blumenthal (until d. 1941; bequeathed to MMA)
See also
Who
Benedetto da Maiano (7)
What
Sculpture (24,350)

Painting (5,225)

Reliefs (3,153)

Marble (2,128)
Where
Europe (148,587)

Italy (20,984)

Tuscany (1,162)

Florence (506)
When
A.D. 1400-1600 (20,545)
In the Museum
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts (43,257)
Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History
Florence and Central Italy, 1400–1600 A.D.
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Benedetto da Maiano (Italian, Maiano 1442–1497 Florence)

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Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Animation

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Madonna and Child

Benedetto da Maiano (Italian, Maiano 1442–1497 Florence)

Met Media

Met Kids

Met Store