The rare rolltop desk of Princess Eleonore of Schwarzenberg

Abstract

Castle and Château of Krumlov in South Bohemia (Czech Republic) was a generously built residence of the famous Schwarzenberg noble family. There are unique works of decorative art hidden within the castle’s numerous interiors dating from the 16th to the 19th centuries. The Schwarzenberg family’s art collections traditionally rank among the most important nobility furniture funds in the Czech lands. Many precious pieces of furniture have been preserved in Krumlov Castle, but particularly exceptional is a rolltop desk (bureau à cylindre) made in Roentgen’s workshop. This rare bureau had placed in her study Princess Eleonore (1812–1873), wife of Johann Adolf II Fürst zu Schwarzenberg.

This unsigned mechanical bureau à cylindre was created c. 1775 in David Roentgen’s manufactory, it represents the design of a desk that was typical for this company’s luxury production during the 1770s and 1780s, and it has particular analogies which are very similar in shape and have a similar type of marquetry with chinoiserie inspired by the graphic work of Jean Pillement.

The unknown Krumlov rolltop desk has survived for centuries in admirably authentic condition and has never been restored.