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The Roentgens' Rolltop Desk

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Art Object
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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

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Animation
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David with the Head of Goliath

Bartolomeo Bellano  (Italian, Padua 1437/38–1496/97 Padua)

Date:
1470–80
Culture:
Italian, Padua
Medium:
Bronze with oil gilding of a later date
Dimensions:
Overall (confirmed): H. 11 1/4 x W. 5 1/4 x D. 4 7/8 in. (28.6 x 13.3 x 12.4 cm)
Classification:
Sculpture
Credit Line:
Gift of C. Ruxton Love Jr., 1964
Accession Number:
64.304.1

This artwork is currently on display in Gallery 536

120020208

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