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The Roentgens' Rolltop Desk

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Art Object
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The Roentgens' Rolltop Desk

Program information

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.

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Exhibitions:

Events:

Events:

Juno, Seated on a Golden Throne, Asks Alecto to Confuse the Trojans

Master of the Aeneid  (active ca. 1530–40)

Date:
ca. 1530–35
Culture:
French (Limoges)
Medium:
Painted enamel on copper, partly gilt
Dimensions:
H. 9 in. (22.9 cm); W. 8 in. (20.3 cm.)
Classification:
Enamels
Credit Line:
Fletcher Fund, 1945
Accession Number:
45.60.6

This artwork is currently on display in Gallery 544

120014704

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