Search the collections

Videos (3)
Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Demonstration

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: Demonstration

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) 10583 views

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Demonstration

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

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Animation

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

Related Content

Quilt

Quilt

Pair of portières

Pair of portières

Bandana

Bandana

Handkerchief

Handkerchief

Stuart's Faneuil Hall portrait of Washington

Stuart's Faneuil Hall portrait of Washington

Browse current and upcoming exhibitions and events.

Exhibitions:

Events:

Events:

Event handkerchief

Engraved by Rymer & Son  (London)

Date:
ca. 1813
Culture:
British, London
Medium:
Silk
Dimensions:
L. 35 1/2 x W. 35 1/2 inches 90.2 x 90.2 cm
Classification:
Textiles
Accession Number:
62.271

This artwork is not on display

  • Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

    Inscription: (Center) THE REIGN OF GEORGE III. From his/ Accession/ to the Throne./ Octr. 25th 1760/ to the PRESENT PERIOD. [followed by description of the chart with remark..."The portraits are esteemed striking likenesses."] (Around center) [detailed chronology of events etc.] (corners, clockwise from top left) THE RIGHT HONBLE WILLIAM PITT CHANCELLOR/ OF THE/ EXCHEQUER &c.; HORATIO/ LORD/ VISCOUNT NELSON DUKE OF/ BRONTI/ &c.&c.; THE RIGHT HON.BLE/ CHARLES JAMES FOX SECRETARY/ OF STATE/ &c.&c.; ARTHUR/ LORD/ VISCOUNT WELLINGTON COMMANDER OF HIS/ MAJESTY'S FORCES/ IN SPAIN &c. (border, right, bottom) Engraved by Rymer & Son. No. 53. Great Windmill Street, Haymarkek [sic] & 3, Ossulstone Street, Sommers Town, London. Mottos: (top and bottom with arms of Order of Garter) HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE (sides, beneath Royal crown) DIEU ET MON DROIT

  • See also
    Who
    What
    Where
    When
    In the Museum
    Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History
120046566

Close