Square Piano 1750 - 1800

Ferdinand Weber created this square piano, crafted from wood, sometime in the 18th century. The piano commands our attention with its strong rectilinear form and the warm, reddish-brown hue of its wood. Structurally, the design presents a study in geometric harmony. The rectangular body contrasts with the delicate, tapered legs, creating a visual tension between stability and elegance. The open lid invites exploration, revealing the piano's intricate inner workings, strings stretched across the soundboard like a delicate web. This exposure challenges the conventional separation between the functional interior and the polished exterior, suggesting a unity of purpose and beauty. The piano's aesthetic engages with broader cultural ideas about music, craftsmanship, and domestic life. The piano was more than a piece of furniture; it was a cultural artifact that reflected aspirations and tastes.