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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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Le Meunier, son fils et l'âne

Designed by Jean Baptiste Huet I  (French, Paris 1745–1811 Paris)

Artist:
After a design by Jean-Baptiste Oudry (French, Paris 1686–1755 Beauvais)
Manufactory:
Oberkampf factory
Date:
ca. 1806
Culture:
French (Jouy-en-Josas)
Medium:
Cotton
Dimensions:
L. 88 x W. 34 inches 223.5 x 86.4 cm (with 11 inches of length turned under lining)
Classification:
Textiles
Credit Line:
Gift of William Sloane Coffin, 1926
Accession Number:
26.265.39

This artwork is not on display

120039621

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