Serpent in C 1775 - 1805

"Serpent in C" is a unique musical instrument, a serpent, created by the artist W. Schmidt between 1775 and 1805. This wooden instrument resembles a serpent with a curved, brass mouthpiece and is notable for its unusual, serpentine shape, which gave it its name. It is part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection in New York City. The serpent is an early woodwind instrument, and its distinctive shape reflects the period's interest in the unusual and exotic. The instrument is a testament to the ingenuity of 18th-century musical craftsmanship and its unique appearance makes it a captivating object in the museum's collection.