Trompe de Chasse in D
This horn is typical of those still used in the French hunt. It represents the final form of the Trompe d'Orleans, which was introduced in about 1831 following an order of the Count d'Orleans. In contrast to its forerunners, the trompe d'Orleans has a a smaller coil diamter. This handier size was made possible by the introduction of the English riding cap in France after the Revolution 1791/92 and the first Republic. This small cap enabled a horn with smaller coils to slip over the head. Francois Perinet is considered as the major figure who refined the new type giving it its final structure.
The outfitting of the horn with a heavily decorated bell garland was developed under Perinet's successor, Joseph Pettex-Muffat, who took over the business in the late 1840s. The decor's creator was apparently H. Farnier in 1860. The decor features heavily silver plated reliefs on the garland and stays. The garland is a high relief with hunting scences, built up by electrotyping of copper and finishing by silver plating. The stays feature oak leaves and acorns. There is also a cartouche designed to bear the name of the prospective owner of the horn, It remained void. The bell interior is blackened, a feature of hunting horns designed to prevent reflections, or "dazzling", that would have frightened riders and game.
The outfitting of the horn with a heavily decorated bell garland was developed under Perinet's successor, Joseph Pettex-Muffat, who took over the business in the late 1840s. The decor's creator was apparently H. Farnier in 1860. The decor features heavily silver plated reliefs on the garland and stays. The garland is a high relief with hunting scences, built up by electrotyping of copper and finishing by silver plating. The stays feature oak leaves and acorns. There is also a cartouche designed to bear the name of the prospective owner of the horn, It remained void. The bell interior is blackened, a feature of hunting horns designed to prevent reflections, or "dazzling", that would have frightened riders and game.
Artwork Details
- Title: Trompe de Chasse in D
- Maker: J. Pettex-Muffat (French, late 19th century)
- Date: ca. 1883–95
- Geography: Paris, France
- Culture: French
- Medium: Brass, silver
- Dimensions: Height (Perpendicular to bell): 20 5/16 in. (51.6 cm)
Diameter (Of bell, approximate): 10 3/4 in. (27.3 cm) - Classification: Aerophone-Lip Vibrated-horn
- Credit Line: Purchase, Susan and Elihu Rose Foundation Inc. Gift, 1998
- Object Number: 1998.295a, b
- Curatorial Department: Musical Instruments
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Cretien workshop, Paris (c.1690 – post 1737)
ca. 1700
Courtois frères
1833
Alexandre Pere & Fils
1850–55
Dominique Antony Porthaux
1790–1800
Courtois père
1789–1801
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.