Writing table, David Roentgen, c. 1780 - c. 1785
gilding, h 73.5cm × w 72.5cm × d 50.0cm More details
Roentgen was renowned for his marquetry, which is composed, like a jigsaw puzzle, of tiny pieces of different wood, without engraved details. He called this technique à la mosaïque. On this tabletop the Greek hero Aeneas is shown fleeing the burning city of Troy carrying his father Anchises on his back. This story is recounted by the Roman poet Virgil in the Aeneid, an epic poem about Aeneas’ heroic deeds.
