Oboe 1837 - 1838

This is an oboe, made from boxwood with ivory and brass accents, crafted by Henri Brod in the early 19th century. Brod wasn't just a maker; he was a virtuoso, intimately familiar with the instrument he refined. The oboe emerged during a time of strict social hierarchies, where access to music, and especially playing it, often reflected one's class. Imagine the hands that held this oboe, the breath that animated it—who was allowed to make music, and for whom? While we can appreciate the craftsmanship, it's crucial to remember that instruments like these were part of a cultural landscape deeply shaped by power dynamics. This oboe embodies the social world of early 19th century music.