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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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Chamber candlestick

Meissen Manufactory  (German, 1710–present)

Modeler:
Johann Joachim Kändler (German, Fischbach 1706–1775 Meissen)
Date:
ca. 1740
Culture:
German (Meissen)
Medium:
Hard-paste porcelain
Dimensions:
H. of bird 3-1/2 in. (8.9 cm.); Total H. 4-1/4 in. (10.8 cm.)
Classification:
Ceramics
Credit Line:
The Lesley and Emma Sheafer Collection, Bequest of Emma A. Sheafer, 1973
Accession Number:
1974.356.406

This artwork is not on display

120021971

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