Arnolo 1901

Editor: So this piece, "Arnolo," a musical instrument from 1901 by Georges Contal, housed here at the Met, appears to be expertly crafted out of wood with detailed carvings. I am intrigued by the materials. What does its construction tell you? Curator: The very nature of this object, it is a meticulously crafted musical instrument. We have to acknowledge the labor involved in selecting, curing, and carving the wood. Notice the craftsmanship of the headstock; it suggests access to specialized tools and considerable expertise. It also speaks to an era where such dedication to materiality was commonplace. Do you see how that labor affects our perception of its value? Editor: It makes me think about who this instrument was made for and what kind of music it was meant to play. The quality seems really high-end. Curator: Precisely! The high-end nature leads us to think of elite patronage. But, equally crucial, think about where the wood originated and the processes required to get the materials from raw source to a usable condition. These economic and social contexts directly impacted the artistic value ascribed to the finished piece. It moves past mere utility. Editor: I guess I never really considered the economics of materials for older pieces, or even where they came from. I see how this shifts our focus to production and value creation. Curator: Understanding those dynamics enables us to see the piece not just as a singular artwork, but as a point where material history, labor practices, and artistic ambition converge. Hopefully now you consider that too when examining artwork. Editor: I never really saw that aspect. I will for now on!