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The Roentgens' Rolltop Desk

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Art Object
Program Information

The Roentgens' Rolltop Desk

Program information

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

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Vase (one of a pair)

Meissen Manufactory  (German, 1710–present)

Modeler:
Johann Joachim Kändler (German, Fischbach 1706–1775 Meissen)
Modeler:
Johann Friedrich Eberlein (1695–1749)
Decorator:
Decoration attributed to J.G. Heintze
Date:
ca. 1740
Culture:
German (Meissen)
Medium:
Hard-paste porcelain
Dimensions:
H. 19-3/4 in. (50.2 cm.)
Classification:
Ceramics
Credit Line:
Gift of Irwin Untermyer, 1964
Accession Number:
64.101.143 ab

This artwork is currently on display in Gallery 533

120018627

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