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
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The Roentgens' Berlin Secretary Cabinet
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Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Demonstration
(00:02:17) 16792 views

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

Saint Matthew

Model and cast by Antonio Susini (died 1624)

Designer:: Possibly after a design by Giambologna (Netherlandish, Douai 1529–1608 Florence)
Date:: 1596
Culture:: Italian (Florence)
Medium:: Bronze
Dimensions:: H. 10-9/16 in. (26.8 cm.)
Classification:: Sculpture
Credit Line:: Purchase, Joseph Pulitzer Bequest, 1957
Accession Number:: 57.136.2

This artwork is currently on display in Gallery 536

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Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Animation

Saint Matthew

Model and cast by Antonio Susini (died 1624)

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Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Animation

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Saint Matthew

Model and cast by Antonio Susini (died 1624)

Met Media

Met Kids

Met Store