Writing Table with Mechanical Fittings (table mécanique or schreibtisch)

In part by David Roentgen and/or his workshop; in part by an unknown craftsmen, probably French or German 19th Century

National Gallery of Art

A rectangular golden-brown wood table has three shallow drawers in a row under the top surface, which is inlaid to create a scene, though details are difficult to make out in this photograph. The center drawer is the widest, and all three are inlaid with a horizontal grid of diamonds and outlined with a border of darker wood. Gold-colored metal mounts cap the feet, and gold ornament edges the tabletop and parts of the drawers, including the keyholes and handles. Metal ornaments above the front legs have mirrored palms framed by vines that curve into shapes of harps. The fluted legs taper below the drawers.