Abraham & David Roentgen

The course of history reflects a continually shifting stream of taste, ideals, and preferences. Accepted and revered ideals are often suddenly deemed outdated and passé, sidelined in favor of new trends and perspectives. Yet occasionally, artistic achievements and individual works transcend these variable and replaceable values. In the world of craftsmanship, such works are frequently associated with the highest quality. These creations, deemed modern in their own time, are later contextualized by historians as significant or even classic.

In Sweden, Georg Haupt holds a prominent position among cabinetmakers. His name carries a certain allure, and his works are especially coveted. Similarly, in Germany, father and son Roentgen occupy an equivalent stature. They are renowned as two of the foremost cabinetmakers of the 18th century. From their workshop in Neuwied, Germany, they crafted exquisite furniture pieces that were transported to a clientele consisting of European aristocracy. Notable patrons included Louis XVI of France and Marie Antoinette, Catherine II of Russia, and King William II of Prussia.

Crafoord Auctions in Stockholm now has the great honor of presenting a secrétaire crafted within the circle of Abraham and David Roentgen, likely created in the latter half of the 1770s. This piece features walnut, jacaranda, and maple veneer with brass mounts. The intricate, richly detailed marquetry is typical of its time, likely inspired by Jean-Baptiste Pillement's chinoiserie designs.

By the time of the secrétaire’s creation, David Roentgen had been running his father's workshop for several years. He refined the woodworking products of the family firm, which became widely known for its meticulously detailed forms, advanced mechanical designs (including pivoting drawers), and grand expression.

The secrétaire was once owned by sculptor Karl Adalbert Wolf. During World War II, it was hidden away in a secret location to protect it from bombings. In the late 1970s, it was inherited by its current owner.