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) 10718 views

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Demonstration
(00:02:17) 16994 views

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Animation
(00:01:00) 3039 views

Punch bowl

Date:: late 18th century
Culture:: Chinese
Medium:: Hard-paste porcelain
Dimensions:: H. 5 7/8 in. (14.9 cm.); Diam. 14 3/8 in. (36.5 cm.)
Classification:: Ceramics
Credit Line:: Helena Woolworth McCann Collection, Gift of Winfield Foundation, 1955
Accession Number:: 55.170

This artwork is not on display

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Inscription: [1] THE ABBEY AT ABERBROTHICK (below each scene) [2] W J M (monogram on each crest)
Provenance

Mrs. Harrison Williams (until 1945; sale, Parke-Bernet Galleries, New York, December 1, 1945, no. 262); Sol M. Flock (until 1955; sale, Parke-Bernet Galleries, New York, March 26, 1955, no. 328; to Winfield Foundation); Helena Woolworth McCann
See also
What
Ceramics (29,327)

Clay (23,658)

Faience (11,693)

Porcelain (11,376)

Bowls (5,015)

Hard paste porcelain (2,916)

Punch bowls (39)
Where
Asia (68,271)

China (17,423)
When
A.D. 1600-1800 (66,675)
In the Museum
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts (43,264)
Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History
China, 1600–1800 A.D.

Central and North Asia, 1600–1800 A.D.