Trombone c. 1830 - 1850

This is a trombone, made by Johann Gottfried Haltenhof, most likely in the early 19th century. Look closely, and you can see the many processes that went into its making: the casting of the brass bell, the long tubes carefully bent and soldered together. Instruments like this one relied upon highly skilled metal workers. These weren't just factory workers; they were artisans with specialized knowledge. The trombone's burnished surface and precise construction speak of its intended purpose: to create music. Yet it is equally the product of many hands, and of a society that valued both artistic expression and technical expertise. It’s an object that invites us to consider the relationship between craft, design, and materiality. It challenges traditional distinctions between high art and craft, and reminds us that even the most functional objects can be imbued with social and cultural significance.