Guitar 1833 - 1867

This guitar, made by Christian Frederick Martin, reflects the fusion of European craftsmanship with American innovation. Martin, a German immigrant, established a workshop in New York City, later moving to Pennsylvania. The guitar’s design embodies a crucial moment in the history of instrument-making, as it adapts traditional European forms to suit the evolving musical tastes of the United States. Its presence in a museum setting raises important questions about the value we place on craftsmanship. Is it a utilitarian object? Or a piece of art? Looking closer we can begin to understand the cultural values and the shifting social landscape of 19th-century America. We might then ask ourselves, what resources can help us better understand the context in which this guitar was made and used? Auction catalogs, maker's records, and ephemera such as concert programs can all provide valuable information, reminding us that the meaning of art is always contingent on its historical and institutional context.