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Abraham Roentgen's Writing Desk

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Art Object
Program Information

Abraham Roentgen's Writing Desk

Program information

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.

David Roentgen: Long-Case Clock

David Roentgen: Long-Case Clock
(00:00:52)

The Roentgens' Berlin Secretary Cabinet

The Roentgens' Berlin Secretary Cabinet
(00:02:20) 11524 views

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Demonstration

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Demonstration
(00:02:17) 18103 views

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Animation

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Animation
(00:01:00) 3147 views

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Exhibitions:

Events:

Events:

Upright secretary (Secrétaire à abattant or secrétaire en cabinet)

Martin Carlin  (French, near Freiburg im Breisgau ca. 1730–1785 Paris)

Factory:
Porcelain plaques by Sèvres Manufactory (French, 1740–present)
Decorator:
Oval plaques of flower baskets on front by Nicolas Bulidon (active 1763–92)
Decorator:
Oval plaques of bouquts on sides by Marie-Claude Sophie Xhrouuet (active 1775–88)
Decorator:
Plaques decorated in stand by Guillaume Noël (active 1755–1807)
Date:
ca. 1773
Culture:
French, Paris and Sèvres
Medium:
Oak veneered with tulipwood, amaranth, holly and ebonized holly, mounted with ten soft-paste porcelain plaques and gilt bronze; marble top; velvet (not original)
Dimensions:
H. 47 in. (119.4 cm.), Gr. W. 31 3/4 in. (80.6 cm.), D. 16 3/8 in. (41.6 cm.)
Classification:
Woodwork
Credit Line:
Gift of Samuel H. Kress Foundation, 1958
Accession Number:
58.75.44

This artwork is currently on display in Gallery 529

120017495

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