Cabinet piano c. 1820 - 1825

This cabinet piano, crafted by Loeschman, reveals more than mere musical artistry; it is a vessel of symbols echoing through time. Dominating the upper panel, a starburst radiates from the center of a blue cloth, reminiscent of celestial maps and ancient cosmologies. The eight-pointed star, an emblem of order and harmony, has roots stretching back to Mesopotamian cultures, often linked to deities of the sky. In this context, it brings to mind the compass rose, guiding voyages across uncharted waters, as well as the Star of Ishtar, symbolizing divine light. Here, the star, placed against the draping blue fabric, suggests a connection between music, the cosmos, and the subconscious. Such motifs are not static; they evolve, their meanings reconfigured by successive generations, triggering powerful emotions and engaging viewers on a subconscious level. Just as the star guided ancient mariners, it now invites us to navigate the emotional depths of musical experience. The cyclical progression of these symbols persists, resurfacing in different historical contexts, each time carrying a new resonance.