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.

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

The Roentgens' Berlin Secretary Cabinet
(00:02:20) 10583 views

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Demonstration
(00:02:17) 16547 views

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Animation
(00:01:00) 3012 views

The Crucifixion

Bernard van Orley (Netherlandish, Brussels ca. 1492–1541/42 Brussels)

Maker:: Workshop of Pieter van Aelst the Younger (Flemish, active 1509–55)
Maker:: Workshop of Pieter de Pannemaker (Netherlandish, active 1517–1535)
Date:: ca. 1515
Culture:: Flemish, Brussels
Medium:: Wool, silk, silver thread, silver-gilt thread (20-21 warps per inch, 7-8 per cm.)
Dimensions:: Overall (confirmed 11/13/07): 98 1/2 x 100 3/4 in. (250.2 x 255.9 cm) Overall (unknown date): 99 x 98 in. (251.5 x 248.9 cm) Slat: 100” x 3 ½” x 1” with Velcro/webbing, security straps
Classification:: Textiles
Credit Line:: Bequest of George Blumenthal, 1941
Accession Number:: 41.190.136

This artwork is not on display

Description

Christ raises his right hand in a gesture of blessing over the lamenting figures of the Virgin, Mary Magdalen, Saint John, and another holy woman. On either side, angels carry symbols of Christ's ordeal; other scenes from the Passion are depicted in the background landscape.

The design is closely related to paintings by Bernaert van Orley (ca. 1491-1541/42) of about 1515. In its technique and quality The Crucifixion recalls a set of four Passion tapestries (Spanish royal collection) made about 1520 for Margaret of Austria in the workshop of Pieter de Pannemaker (act. 1527-31) after designs by van Orley. The high quality of the materials and execution of this panel suggests that it was also made for an eminent patron.
Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Inscription: I.N.R.I (reversed)
Provenance

S.A. le duc de Berwick et d'Albe, 8th Duke of Berwick and the 15th of Alba (until 1877) ; [ Collection of S.A. le duc de Berwick et d'Albe, Hôtel Drouot, Paris , April 7–20, 1877, no. 3 ] ; Baron Erlanger (before 1880) ; Charles T. Barney ; George and Florence Blumenthal , New York (before 1909–41)
See also
Who
Bernard van Orley (20)

Pieter de Pannemaker (2)

Pieter van Aelst the Younger (2)
What
Metal (59,364)

Silk (32,922)

Textiles (32,752)

Silver (14,056)

Wool (9,527)

Gilt (9,043)

Tapestries (2,187)
Where
Europe (148,586)

Belgium (1,232)

Brussels (289)
When
A.D. 1400-1600 (20,545)
In the Museum
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts (43,257)
Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History
Low Countries, 1400–1600 A.D.
MetPublications
Search for related Met publications

WHAT IS MYMET?

Abraham Roentgen's Writing Desk

The Crucifixion

Bernard van Orley (Netherlandish, Brussels ca. 1492–1541/42 Brussels)

Met Media

Met Kids

Met Store

WHAT IS MYMET?

Already have a mymet account? Sign in

Abraham Roentgen's Writing Desk

Related Content

The Crucifixion

Bernard van Orley (Netherlandish, Brussels ca. 1492–1541/42 Brussels)

Met Media

Met Kids

Met Store