Upright (Giraffe) Piano 1820 - 1850

Carl Lang crafted this "Upright (Giraffe) Piano," with its distinctive form, during a time when the aesthetics of musical instruments were as crucial as their sound. Notice the piano’s elegant, towering structure, more akin to a sculpture than a conventional instrument. The giraffe piano emerged in the late 18th century, gaining popularity through the 1820s. It reflects the neoclassical tastes of the era, seen in the refined lines, star-shaped decorations, and serpentine figures at the base. Music during this period became more accessible, moving from the exclusive domain of the aristocracy to the homes of the rising middle class. Consider the place of music in society at the time. Did playing or owning such an instrument affect one’s social identity? The piano’s design, reaching towards the heavens, evokes a sense of aspiration, a desire to reach beyond the everyday, mirroring society’s own ambitions. It captures the emotional and social aspirations of an era marked by profound change.