Mandolin 1898

This is Orville Gibson's mandolin, currently held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The design strikes you with its elegant symmetry and the deep, glossy finish of the wood. The curves of the body flow smoothly into the neck, creating a harmonious form that pleases the eye. Note how Gibson uses a series of geometric shapes and lines. The circular soundhole, framed by decorative inlays, contrasts with the sharp angles of the headstock, which is adorned with a crescent moon and star. These shapes aren't merely decorative; they evoke a sense of balance. The way the light catches on the polished surface adds another layer, transforming it into an object of visual delight. Gibson's mandolin can be seen as an interplay between form and function. It invites us to consider how design elements can elevate an everyday object into a work of art.