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.

Video/Audio (4)

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

The Roentgens' Berlin Secretary Cabinet
(00:02:20) 10549 views

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Demonstration
(00:02:17) 16461 views

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Animation
(00:01:00) 3008 views

Head of Nijinsky

Auguste Rodin (French, Paris 1840–1917 Meudon)

Founder:: Cast by Alexis Rudier
Date:: modeled in 1912, this bronze cast after 1967
Culture:: French
Medium:: Bronze, on a base of black marble
Dimensions:: H. w/base 4 in. (10.2 cm.); H. w/out base 2-7/8 in. (7.3 cm.); W. 1-1/4 in. (3.2 cm.); D. 1-1/2 in. (3.8 cm.)
Classification:: Sculpture
Credit Line:: Gift of Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Foundation, 1984
Accession Number:: 1984.364.8

This artwork is currently on display in Gallery 800

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The Roentgens' Rolltop Desk

Head of Nijinsky

Auguste Rodin (French, Paris 1840–1917 Meudon)

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The Roentgens' Rolltop Desk

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Head of Nijinsky

Auguste Rodin (French, Paris 1840–1917 Meudon)

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