Square Piano 1853

This square piano was constructed by Robert Nunns, though the exact date is unknown. The piano’s visual impact relies on its rectangular form and the ornateness of its carved mahogany surfaces. Note how the structure is conceived as a series of horizontal and vertical layers. The top section presents a flat, clean plane. Below, the carved legs punctuate the composition with dramatic, dark accents, seemingly supporting the instrument’s musical ambitions. The piano appears as a cultural artifact embedded with signs and symbols. The dark mahogany and sculptural embellishments suggest its creation was informed by codes of status and taste. By considering the interplay between the piano’s form and its cultural context, we can appreciate how it communicates ideas about music, craftsmanship, and social identity. Appreciating these elements of the piano’s construction and design allows for multiple interpretations and meanings.