The Metropolitan Museum of Art - Wagtail (one of a pair)

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
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The Roentgens' Berlin Secretary Cabinet
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Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Demonstration
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Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Animation
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Wagtail (one of a pair)

Meissen Manufactory (German, 1710–present)

Modeler:: Johann Gottlieb Kirchner (German, Merseburg 1706–after 1738 Berlin, active at Meissen 1727–28 and 1731–33)
Date:: 1733
Culture:: German (Meissen)
Medium:: Hard-paste porcelain
Dimensions:: H. 6 3/4 in. (17.1 cm.)
Classification:: Ceramics
Credit Line:: Gift of Irwin Untermyer, 1964
Accession Number:: 64.101.36

This artwork is currently on display in Gallery 533

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Abraham Roentgen's Writing Desk

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Wagtail (one of a pair)

Meissen Manufactory (German, 1710–present)

Met Media

Met Kids

Met Store