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The Roentgens' Rolltop Desk

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Art Object
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The Roentgens' Rolltop Desk

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Watch as this desk's hidden features are revealed.

The richly embellished surface of this rolltop desk conceals a wealth of mechanical surprises and features, including a spectacular arrangement of almost forty compartments and drawers. Abraham (1711–1793) and David Roentgen (1743–1807) designed this table not just for writing and reading but also to function as a dressing table, or poudreuse.

This table, from Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens in Washington, D.C., is featured in the exhibition Extravagant Inventions: The Princely Furniture of the Roentgens (on view October 30, 2012–January 27, 2013).

Learn more about this object: http://trio.hillwoodmuseum.org/detail.php?t=objects&type=related&kv=13072

Footage courtesy of Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens.

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Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Demonstration

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Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Animation

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Animation
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Upright secretary

Philippe Pasquier  (master 1760; died 1783)

Date:
late 18th century
Culture:
French (Paris)
Medium:
Oak, burl yew-wood, black-stained wood, amboyna, harewood, satin-wood, tulipwood, satiné, holly, purple-wood, gilt bronze, marble, sketches on paper
Dimensions:
63-5/8 x 34-1/2 x 19-1/2 in. (161.6 x 87.6 x 49.5 cm)
Classification:
Woodwork
Credit Line:
Gift of Samuel H. Kress Foundation, 1958
Accession Number:
58.75.120

This artwork is not on display

120017569

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