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.

Video/Audio (4)

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

The Roentgens' Berlin Secretary Cabinet
(00:02:20) 10679 views

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Demonstration
(00:02:17) 16910 views

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Animation
(00:01:00) 3027 views

Pillow cover

Zina Cavaliere Cutroneo

Date:: late 19th or early 20th century
Culture:: Italian (Palermo)
Medium:: Linen, cotton, shell buttons, cutwork
Dimensions:: L. 16 x W. 19 inches 40.6 x 48.3 cm
Classification:: Textiles
Credit Line:: Gift of Santa Cutroneo, in memory of Zina Cavaliere Cutroneo, 1987
Accession Number:: 1987.121

This artwork is not on display

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Abraham Roentgen's Writing Desk

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Pillow cover

Zina Cavaliere Cutroneo

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