The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Art Object

The Roentgens' Rolltop Desk

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.

David Roentgen: Long-Case Clock
(00:00:52)

The Roentgens' Berlin Secretary Cabinet
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Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Demonstration
(00:02:17) 16720 views

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Animation
(00:01:00) 3016 views

Vinaigrette box

Possibly by Matthew Boulton (British, Birmingham 1728–1809 Birmingham)

Date:: 1808
Culture:: British, Birmingham
Medium:: Silver
Dimensions:: L. 1 in. (2.5 cm)
Classification:: Metalwork
Credit Line:: Gift of Herbert K. Reis, in memory of Rose-Frances K. Reis (Mrs. Ralph A. Reis), 1983
Accession Number:: 1983.575.53

This artwork is not on display

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The Roentgens' Rolltop Desk

Vinaigrette box

Possibly by Matthew Boulton (British, Birmingham 1728–1809 Birmingham)

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The Roentgens' Rolltop Desk

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Vinaigrette box

Possibly by Matthew Boulton (British, Birmingham 1728–1809 Birmingham)

Met Media

Met Kids

Met Store