ATTRIBUTED TO DAVID ROENTGEN, CIRCA 1785

For an almost identical secretaire cabinet from Schloss Eltz, Eltzville, by David Roentgen, see J. M. Greber, Abraham und David Roentgen: Möbel für Europa, Vol. II, Starnberg, 1980, p. 273, and H. Huth, Roentgen Furniture, London, 1978, fig. 189. During the last 20 years of the eighteenth century, Roentgen’s production is characterized by a revolutionary and more puritan look: by this time he abandons rich marquetry inlays in favor of simple mahogany surfaces embellished by ormolu. On his more lavish pieces, often for royal commissions, Roentgen used elaborate and detailed mounts, whereas on more understated and practical pieces, such as the secretaire offered here, he opted for simple English-style gilt metal mounts.