Dressing table piano
ALTERNATE NAME(S)
- Powder room piano
- Square piano
Date1815 -1830 ca.
Place MadeGermany, Europe
ModelDressing-table piano
SignedNoneMarkingsStamped on metal plaque screwed to front rim of case: PIANO AND POWDER TABLE 1815DescriptionEuropean dressing tables first became popular in the 17th century. No more than a century later, these typically diminutive, but well-crafted tables also began to reflect one’s higher social status. Both King Louis XV’s mistress, Madame de Pompadour, and King Louis XVI’s wife, Marie Antoinette, popularized the ritual of undertaking one’s morning toilette at dressing tables, some of which also contained hidden mirrors, writing desks, materials for sewing, basins for water, and even small pianos!A combination dressing table and small piano. A drawer with trays to hold a variety of dressing-table items lies on top of the keyboard. Piano folds up like a suitcase, with legs removable.
Compass c1-c4 (3 octaves, 37keys)
Viennese action
No dampers
Bichord stringing
Six lowest notes strung in plain brass, iron above
Bridge double pinned
Nut single pinned except three notes in bass
Tuning pins oblong with holes
Soundboard of wide grained pine or spruce, cut off-the-quarter
Bone naturals, rosewood sharps
Case with light hardwood, possibly cherry, veneer with dark hardwood geometric stringing
Maple legs
Brass folding handles on sides
Mirror mounted on inside of lid with rosewood trim and brass swiveling, folding candelabra on each side
ProvenancePreviously in the collection of Ronald A. Larsen, Rockford, Illinois, the owner of Jackson Piano Store, Rockford, Illinois.
Credit LinePurchase funds gift of Jo Wohlenberg, 2021
Object number15599
On View
On view
1900-1925 ca.
1850-1875 ca.