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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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Three-light candelabra (one of a pair)

Date:
ca. 1785
Culture:
French
Medium:
Patinated and gilt-bronze, enameled bronze, marble
Dimensions:
Each 40 1/8 x 12 1/4 x 6 3/4 in. (101.9 x 31.1 x 17.1 cm)
Classification:
Metalwork
Credit Line:
Purchase, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wrightsman, by exchange, 1983
Accession Number:
1983.161.1

This artwork is currently on display in Gallery 528

120023492

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