The Metropolitan Museum of Art

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) 11592 views

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Demonstration
(00:02:17) 18190 views

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Animation
(00:01:00) 3155 views

Teapot

Vezzi Factory (1720–27)

Date:: 1720–27
Culture:: Italian, Venice
Medium:: Hard-paste porcelain
Dimensions:: H. with cover: 5 3/4 in. (14.6 cm.) Gr. W.: 7 1/16 in. (7.9 cm.)
Classification:: Ceramics
Credit Line:: Purchase, Friends of European Sculpture and Decorative Arts Gifts,1999
Accession Number:: 1999.92a, b

This artwork is currently on display in Gallery 508

Description

The third factory in Europe to produce hard-paste porcelain was founded in Venice in 1720 by Francesco Vezzi (1651–1740); it remained in operation for only seven years. The imperfections of the teapot's glaze reflect the experimental nature of porcelain at this time.
Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Marking: [1] Ven:a (in underglaze blue) [2] Af (incised)
Provenance

[ W. Agnew and Company, Ltd., London, England (until 1999; sold to MMA) ]
See also
Who
Vezzi Factory (4)
What
Ceramics (29,330)

Clay (23,631)

Faience (11,688)

Porcelain (11,378)

Hard paste porcelain (2,916)

Teapots (652)
Where
Europe (150,372)

Italy (24,960)

Venice (1,388)
When
A.D. 1600-1800 (67,128)
In the Museum
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts (43,228)
Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History
Venice and Northern Italy, 1600–1800 A.D.
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Vezzi Factory (1720–27)

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Abraham Roentgen's Writing Desk

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Teapot

Vezzi Factory (1720–27)

Met Media

Met Kids

Met Store