Square Piano
Chickering was the first important manufacturer of pianos in America, incorporating steam power in his factories and innovations like the firm's use, beginning in 1837, of a one-piece cast iron frame. By the 1850s it had superseded Erard as the premier piano manufacturer, and in the 1860s and 1870s Chickering and Steinway engaged in a fierce rivalry. Chickering was the first American producer of grands, but pianos produced for domestic use including squares like this instrument as well as uprights far outsold the larger, more expensive models.
This square piano, like others of that name is rectangular in shape, and has a mahogany case with rosewood striping. It has four turned and fluted legs with brass casters. The damper pedal is mounted to a pedal lyre in the middle of the keyboard. The compass of the instrument is FF-c4 (68 keys) with ivory naturals and ebony accidentals. It has an English double action with backchecks and is double strung throughout.
This square piano, like others of that name is rectangular in shape, and has a mahogany case with rosewood striping. It has four turned and fluted legs with brass casters. The damper pedal is mounted to a pedal lyre in the middle of the keyboard. The compass of the instrument is FF-c4 (68 keys) with ivory naturals and ebony accidentals. It has an English double action with backchecks and is double strung throughout.
Artwork Details
- Title: Square Piano
- Maker: Jonas Chickering (American, Mason Village, New Hampshire 1798–1853 Boston)
- Date: 1829
- Geography: Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- Culture: American
- Medium: Wood, various materials
- Dimensions: Case L: 70.9 cm (27-15/16 in.)
Case W: 177.5 cm (69-7/8 in.)
Case D: 28.2 cm
Total H: 88.2 cm
Case H. w/o pedal mechanism 34 cm
3-octave span: 48.8 cm
(Legs off) - Classification: Chordophone-Zither-struck-piano
- Credit Line: Gift of Newcomb Debevoise Cole, 1983
- Object Number: 1983.75
- Curatorial Department: Musical Instruments
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Jonas Chickering
ca. 1850
Thomas Appleton
1830
Henry Sibley
1840
Elbridge G. Wright
ca. 1845
Robert Nunns
John Clark
1853
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