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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: Animation

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Portable diptych sundial

David Beringer  (1756–1821)

Date:
ca. 1780–1821
Culture:
German (Nuremberg)
Medium:
Fruitwood and paper
Dimensions:
11/16 x 1-3/4 x 2-3/4 in. (1.7 x 4.4 x 7.0 cm)
Classification:
Horology
Credit Line:
Gift of Mrs. Paul R. Hays, in memory of Jacques B. Rice, 1968
Accession Number:
68.36

This artwork is not on display

120020567

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