Invention horn crook 1850 - 1950

Editor: Here we have Carl Gottlob Schüster’s "Invention horn crook," made sometime between 1850 and 1950 out of brass and other metals. The stark geometry of the piece, coupled with its practical nature as a musical instrument component, really intrigues me. How should we interpret it? Curator: This piece, especially considering its date range, exists at a fascinating intersection. The 19th century saw industrial advancements rapidly change music, particularly in instrument making. Pieces like this speak to that moment where functional objects begin to flirt with artistic representation, almost anticipating the readymades of the early 20th century. Editor: Readymades, interesting! You mean like Duchamp’s "Fountain"? Curator: Precisely. While not quite as provocative, this horn crook participates in a similar conversation about the value and definition of art within a rapidly industrializing society. Does mass production negate artistic merit, or can functionality itself be beautiful? Think about who had access to music and instruments then. Was music-making becoming more democratic? Editor: So, it’s less about the aesthetic value of the brass and more about the historical context of its creation and intended use? Curator: Exactly. This unassuming object embodies debates about access, artistic intention, and the changing role of the artist in a world increasingly shaped by machines. Consider how this might’ve been viewed by different social classes at the time. Who could afford instruments, and what kind of music did they play? Editor: That adds so much depth. It’s no longer just a metal loop; it's a symbol of shifting cultural and economic landscapes. Curator: Indeed. And hopefully, it prompts us to consider the subtle politics embedded even in seemingly mundane objects. Editor: Definitely, it makes you rethink how museums play an important role in deciding what becomes "art." Thanks for that insight!