Square Piano
George Astor was a flute maker born in Germany who emigrated to London with his brother John Jacob Astor. His brother would later move to the United States where he was a fur dealer and also sold musical instruments by his brother. As the square piano became more popular in the late eighteenth century, Astor began building instruments like this example in the style of other London instrument makers.
Technical description: Square piano on separate stand; with non-original stool. Mahogany veneered case with inlayed decoration and floral painted, sycamore-veneered nameboard. Decorative cast brass bolt covers. Compass FF-f3. Double strung throughout. Two hand stops controlling dampers and moderator. Pedal (missing) operated swell. Enameled nameplate on nameboard: New Patent/ G. ASTOR/ No. 79 CORNHILL/ London. Serial number 1067.
Technical description: Square piano on separate stand; with non-original stool. Mahogany veneered case with inlayed decoration and floral painted, sycamore-veneered nameboard. Decorative cast brass bolt covers. Compass FF-f3. Double strung throughout. Two hand stops controlling dampers and moderator. Pedal (missing) operated swell. Enameled nameplate on nameboard: New Patent/ G. ASTOR/ No. 79 CORNHILL/ London. Serial number 1067.
Artwork Details
- Title: Square Piano
- Maker: George Astor (Baden 1752–1813 London)
- Date: 1797–1813
- Geography: London, England, United Kingdom
- Culture: British
- Medium: Mahogany veneer, iron, brass, ivory, ebony, various materials
- Dimensions: Overall: H: 30 1/2 in. x W: 62 in. x D: 22 1/4 in. (77.5 x 157.5 x 56.5 cm); Leg H.: 21 in. (8-1/4 in.)
- Classification: Chordophone-Zither-struck-piano
- Credit Line: Gift of Dr. John H. and Elizabeth C. Bland, 2003
- Object Number: 2003.601
- 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.
George Astor
early 19th century
George Astor
1784–98
George Astor
late 18th century
Érard
George Henry Blake
ca. 1840
Richard Meares
ca. 1680
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.