Oboe in C 1700 - 1735

Jacob Denner created this Oboe in C in the early 18th century, during a time when European society was deeply structured around class and patronage. This instrument, crafted from wood and ivory, speaks to the cultural values of the Baroque era, where music and the arts were central to court life. A beautifully made instrument like this was likely commissioned by someone of considerable means, and its sound would have filled the halls of palaces, playing for the entertainment of aristocrats and the celebration of their power. The oboe's delicate and ornate design reflects a desire for refinement and elegance. It is a symbol of status, but also a vessel that carried music across social divides, albeit in a way that largely reinforced the existing hierarchy. Think of the hands that have held it, the music it has played, and the stories it could tell about a world long gone.