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.

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

The Roentgens' Berlin Secretary Cabinet
(00:02:20) 10652 views

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Demonstration
(00:02:17) 16792 views

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

The Virgin Mary

Workshop of Neroccio de' Landi (Italian, Siena 1447–1500 Siena)

Date:: late 15th century
Culture:: Italian, Siena
Medium:: Partially gilt bronze
Dimensions:: H. 7-5/8 in. (19.4 cm); H. of base ca. 3-3/16 in. (8.1 cm.)
Classification:: Sculpture
Credit Line:: Rogers Fund, 1960
Accession Number:: 60.37.1

This artwork is currently on display in Gallery 500

Description

The figures flanked a figure of the crucified Christ. They have been associated with the work of Neroccoi di Bartolommeo de'Landi (1447–1500), a Sienese painter and sculptor whose style fused the late Gothic with the early Renaissance.
Provenance

[ John J. Klejman , 1960; sold to MMA ]
See also
Who
Neroccio de' Landi (3)
What
Metal (59,364)

Sculpture (24,350)

Copper alloy (16,630)

Bronze (11,628)

Gilt (9,043)

Statues (4,078)

Figurines (3,249)
Where
Europe (148,586)

Italy (20,983)

Tuscany (1,162)

Siena (547)
When
A.D. 1400-1600 (20,545)
In the Museum
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts (43,257)
Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History
Florence and Central Italy, 1400–1600 A.D.

WHAT IS MYMET?

Abraham Roentgen's Writing Desk

The Virgin Mary

Workshop of Neroccio de' Landi (Italian, Siena 1447–1500 Siena)

Met Media

Met Kids

Met Store

WHAT IS MYMET?

Already have a mymet account? Sign in

Abraham Roentgen's Writing Desk

Related Content

The Virgin Mary

Workshop of Neroccio de' Landi (Italian, Siena 1447–1500 Siena)

Met Media

Met Kids

Met Store