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Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Demonstration

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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) 11592 views

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Demonstration

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

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Animation

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

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Musicians and Dancers from a set of five Grotesques

Style of Jean Berain  (French, Saint-Mihiel 1640–1711 Paris)

Designer:
Jean-Baptiste Monnoyer (French, Lille 1636–1699 London)
Designer:
Border designed by Jean Berain (French, Saint-Mihiel 1640–1711 Paris)
Manufactory:
Beauvais
Factory director:
Philippe Béhagle (French, 1641–1705)
Date:
late 17th–early 18th century
Culture:
French, Beauvais
Medium:
Wool, silk (21-27 warps per inch, 8-9 per cm.)
Dimensions:
Overall (confirmed): 115 x 196 1/2 in. (292.1 x 499.1 cm)
Classification:
Textiles
Credit Line:
Gift of John M. Schiff, 1977
Accession Number:
1977.437.2

This artwork is not on display

120047263

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