Oboe c. 1780 - 1800

This is an oboe made by Johannes van de Knikker, who was born in 1731. Although it is undated, we can assume that it was made in the Netherlands during the latter half of the 18th century. Wind instruments like this one were used in the performance of classical music in Europe, both for entertainment and in ceremonies of state. We can imagine it being played at court, or in a public concert hall that was open to anyone who could afford a ticket. Musical instruments are interesting objects for the social historian. They were crafted by skilled laborers, bought and sold in a market, and carefully preserved by institutions and collectors. If we knew more about this instrument, we might be able to trace its journey through the social world. We could, for example, look at inventories, bills of sale, and concert programmes. This would give us a clearer sense of how it was made, who played it, and where it was heard.