The Metropolitan Museum of Art - Putto as Cupid (one of three figures)

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
(00:00:52)

The Roentgens' Berlin Secretary Cabinet
(00:02:20) 10613 views

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Demonstration
(00:02:17) 16640 views

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Animation
(00:01:00) 3015 views

Putto as Cupid (one of three figures)

Nymphenburg Porcelain Manufactory

Modeler:: Franz Anton Bustelli (Swiss, Locarno ca. 1720–1763 Munich)
Date:: ca. 1760
Culture:: German (Nymphenburg)
Medium:: Hard-paste porcelain
Dimensions:: H. 3-3/4 in. (9.5 cm.)
Classification:: Ceramics
Credit Line:: The Lesley and Emma Sheafer Collection, Bequest of Emma A. Sheafer, 1973
Accession Number:: 1974.356.531

This artwork is not on display

WHAT IS MYMET?

Abraham Roentgen's Writing Desk

Putto as Cupid (one of three figures)

Nymphenburg Porcelain Manufactory

Met Media

Met Kids

Met Store

WHAT IS MYMET?

Already have a mymet account? Sign in

Abraham Roentgen's Writing Desk

Related Content

Putto as Cupid (one of three figures)

Nymphenburg Porcelain Manufactory

Met Media

Met Kids

Met Store