The Roentgens invented an astonishing number of table shapes. This Neoclassical model is a marvel of mechanical inventiveness and virtuosity. The front apron hides a spring-operated drawer that opens when a button underneath is pressed. If the drawer is pulled out to the point of resistance, both sides of the frieze swing open, revealing areas for storage. When removed, the legs fit underneath the carcass between the brackets. The result is a convenient package, ideal for traveling in style. Roentgen devised this feature to out sell his French competitors, though the legs of this example are now glued into place. The surface decor, suggestive of ancient cameos, features knotted-bow motifs and a trompe l’oeil gardener’s pruning knife suspended from fine threads within floral arrangements.
