Rolltop desk

ca. 1785–86
Not on view
David Roentgen’s rolltop desks are perhaps the best-known style icons of his oeuvre. This one is likely the “small Cylinder-top writing desk of yellow wood costing 250 rubles, plus 90 [for transport and packing]” listed in an invoice dated March 23, 1786, and delivered to Empress Catherine II. The desk’s distinctive yellow color comes from the veneers of exotic hardwood, called yellowheart, or pau amarello (Euxylophora paraensis). When splashed with sunlight, the wood glows with an almost mystical radiance. The veneers are complemented by finely chased gilt-bronze mounts that may have been supplied by François Rémond from Paris. The top rolls up and disappears into the desk, exposing a central open compartment with two adjustable shelves. It is flanked on either side by a pigeonhole with stepped platforms that conceal spring-operated secret drawers. A leather-lined slide extends the space for writing; below it are three large drawers.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Rolltop desk
  • Maker: David Roentgen (German, Herrnhaag 1743–1807 Wiesbaden, master 1780)
  • Date: ca. 1785–86
  • Culture: German, Neuwied am Rhein
  • Medium: Oak, veneered with pau amarello (yellowheart) and mahogany; gilt bronze and copper
  • Dimensions: confirmed: 45 × 40 3/4 × 27 5/16 in. (114.3 × 103.5 × 69.4 cm)
  • Classification: Woodwork-Furniture
  • Credit Line: Gift of the Estate of Ruth S. Stanton, in honor of Oliver Stanton, 2018
  • Object Number: 2018.288.1
  • Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

More Artwork

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.