Grand Piano 1790 - 1795

This grand piano was made by Johann Schmidt, likely in the late 18th century, and is now held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Its geometric form strikes a balance between angular precision and soft curvature, set in lustrous, rich wood. The piano’s visual structure creates a sense of balance and order, with its carefully considered proportions and symmetry. The piano invites a reading that engages with concepts from structuralism and semiotics, highlighting the underlying systems of signs and symbols embedded within its design. The keys, pedals, and strings each function as signs within a larger system, creating a harmonious whole that challenges the notion of fixed meaning. The piano's design is also related to broader artistic and philosophical concerns of its time, as it reflects the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason, order, and harmony. It's a reminder that our experience of art is not just a matter of aesthetics but also a product of cultural codes and intellectual history.