Extravagant Inventions The Princely Furniture Of The Roentgens
When it comes to 18th-century furniture, the name Roentgen is synonymous with innovation and opulence. Abraham and David Roentgen, a father-and-son team of German cabinetmakers, created some of the most intricate and visually stunning furniture pieces of their time, incorporating intricate mechanisms and hidden compartments into their designs.
The Roentgen Family
The Roentgen family had been in the furniture-making business for generations, but it was Abraham Roentgen who truly elevated the craft to an art form. Born in 1711 in Mülheim, he worked as a journeyman in Paris and London before returning to Germany to start his own workshop in 1742.
Abraham Roentgen quickly gained a reputation for his exceptional skill and creativity, attracting a wealthy clientele that included nobles, royalty, and even Catherine the Great of Russia. He passed on his knowledge to his son David, who joined the workshop in 1753 and eventually took over after his father's death in 1793.
The Roentgen Style
What set the Roentgens apart from other cabinetmakers of their time was their penchant for combining beauty with function. They created pieces that were not only visually stunning but also practical, incorporating hidden compartments and complex mechanisms into their designs.
One of their most famous pieces is the Berlin Secretary Cabinet, which was commissioned by King Frederick William II of Prussia in 1779. The cabinet is a masterpiece of engineering, with over 30 hidden compartments and mechanisms that allow it to transform into a writing desk, a reading stand, and even a musical instrument.
The Roentgen Legacy
The Roentgens' legacy lives on today, with many of their pieces displayed in museums and private collections around the world. Their designs continue to inspire furniture makers and collectors alike, with their intricate mechanisms and unique style still captivating audiences more than two centuries after their creation.
If you ever have the chance to see a Roentgen piece in person, take the time to appreciate the craftsmanship and ingenuity that went into its creation. These are truly some of the most extraordinary pieces of furniture ever made.