Search the collections

Videos (3)
Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Animation

Close

<p>Please enable flash to view this media. <a href="http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/">Download the flash player.</a></p>

Please enable flash to view this media. Download the flash player.

Art Object
Program Information

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Animation

Program information

The inventive talents of David Roentgen are evident in this exceptionally refined desk. The monogram "DR" inlaid beneath the keyhole on the lower drawer indicates the cabinetmaker's satisfaction with one of his most mechanically ingenuous creations: a single key inserted at different depths unlocks the center drawer, releases the rolltop, or releases the hidden side drawers; if a button is pressed on the underside of these drawers, each swings aside to reveal three other drawers. Above the rolltop, the rectangular structure consists of a single wide drawer. The artist's creativity is evident in the chinoiserie marquetry scenes, created by using minute pieces of naturally colored exotic woods that have a painterly effect.

See Collections to learn more about this desk.

This desk is featured in the exhibition Extravagant Inventions: The Princely Furniture of the Roentgens (on view October 30, 2012–January 27, 2013).

David Roentgen: Long-Case Clock

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

The Roentgens' Berlin Secretary Cabinet

The Roentgens' Berlin Secretary Cabinet
(00:02:20) 11562 views

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Demonstration

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Demonstration
(00:02:17) 18147 views

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Animation

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Animation
(00:01:00) 3152 views

Related Content

Minerva from a set of Grotesques

Minerva from a set of Grotesques

The Bridal Chamber of Herse, from a set of eight tapestries depicting the Story of Mercury and Herse

The Bridal Chamber of Herse, from a set of eight tapestries depicting the Story of Mercury and Herse

Neptune from the

Neptune from the "Doria Grotesques"

Adoration of the Kings

Adoration of the Kings

Panel with grotesques, from a set of bed hangings

Panel with grotesques, from a set of bed hangings

Browse current and upcoming exhibitions and events.

Exhibitions:

Events:

Events:

Interior scene

Date:
ca. 1520–25
Culture:
Flemish, probably Brussels
Medium:
Wool, silk (15-16 warps per inch, 6-7 per cm.)
Dimensions:
H. 70 x W. 59 inches (177.8 x 149.9 cm)
Classification:
Textiles
Credit Line:
The Friedsam Collection, Bequest of Michael Friedsam, 1931
Accession Number:
32.100.390

This artwork is not on display

120040252

Close