Buccin c. 1830

This 'Buccin' by Charles Kretzschmann captivates with its intricate form and striking combination of materials, featuring a trombone-like structure terminating in a carved animal head. The contrast between the smooth, polished brass and the rougher, painted wood immediately draws the eye. The linear structure of the trombone, with its parallel lines and cylindrical forms, is disrupted by the curvilinear shape of the horn and the expressive carving of the animal head. This juxtaposition creates a dynamic tension, challenging our expectations of both musical instruments and sculptural forms. The grotesque head, with its open mouth and bared teeth, introduces a sense of the uncanny, unsettling the harmony of the instrument's design. The careful craftsmanship and the unexpected combination of elements invite us to consider how the artist is playing with the boundaries between functionality and artistic expression. This 'Buccin' transcends its utilitarian purpose, becoming a complex object that engages with ideas of transformation, and the interplay between the beautiful and the grotesque.