The Metropolitan Museum of Art - Deep dish with cover (part of a service)

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) 11562 views

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

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

Deep dish with cover (part of a service)

Date:: 1790–1800
Culture:: Chinese
Medium:: Hard-paste porcelain
Dimensions:: H. with cover 5 3/16 in. (13.2 cm.); L. 14 3/16 in. (36.0 cm.)
Classification:: Ceramics
Credit Line:: Helena Woolworth McCann Collection, Gift of Winfield Foundation, 1951
Accession Number:: 51.86.32 ab

This artwork is not on display

WHAT IS MYMET?

Abraham Roentgen's Writing Desk

Deep dish with cover (part of a service)

Met Media

Met Kids

Met Store

WHAT IS MYMET?

Already have a mymet account? Sign in

Abraham Roentgen's Writing Desk

Related Content

Deep dish with cover (part of a service)

Met Media

Met Kids

Met Store