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) 10652 views

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Demonstration
(00:02:17) 16792 views

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Animation
(00:01:00) 3020 views

Dish

Date:: 1480–1500
Culture:: Italian, Deruta
Medium:: Tin-glazed earthenware (maiolica)
Dimensions:: Overall (confirmed): H. 3 x Diam. 15 1/4 in. (7.6 x 38.7 cm)
Classification:: Ceramics
Credit Line:: Fletcher Fund, 1946
Accession Number:: 46.85.17

This artwork is not on display

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Marking: (See catalogue cards)
Provenance

[ Stefano Bardini (until 1902; sale, Stefano Bardini collection, Christie, Manson & Woods, London, May 26, 1902, no. 99) ]; Sigismond Bardac (by 1913) ; Mortimer L. Schiff (before 1927–1946; sale, Mortimer L. Schiff collection, Parke- Bernet Galleries, Inc., New York, May 4, 1946, no. 66; to French & Co. for MMA)
See also
What
Ceramics (29,320)

Pottery (12,856)

Dishes (6,707)

Earthenware (6,696)

Maiolica (565)
Where
Europe (148,586)

Italy (20,983)

Umbrian (189)

Perugia (135)

Deruta (67)
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.