Ohotniche Rogi sounding D 1873 - 1889

This is a brass Ohotniche Rogi sounding D, made by Nicolas Fedorov, sometime before 1889. This hunting horn originates in 19th-century Russia, a period marked by a rigid social hierarchy, with the landed aristocracy enjoying privileges tied to land ownership and control over serf labor. Hunting was more than a sport, it was a cultural ritual reinforcing social bonds among the elite. The creation of specialized instruments like this horn speaks to the refinement of aristocratic pastimes, and the close relationship between social class and musical production. The horn's design and craftsmanship suggest a certain level of institutional support, perhaps commissioned for use within a specific hunting club, or estate. Understanding this piece requires a broader look into the social and economic conditions of Tsarist Russia, using archival research into the history of hunting practices, the economics of brass production, and the patronage of the arts. It is a reminder that art objects are deeply embedded in social life.