Tuba before 1828

Pierre Félix van Doren created this intricate line drawing of a tuba sometime between the late 18th and mid 19th century. Consider Van Doren's social position in the context of 19th century Europe; as a white male artist he would have enjoyed a certain amount of privilege and access to resources. The tuba itself can be seen as a symbol of power and authority, often used in military bands and other formal settings. The elaborate decoration on the instrument speaks to the cultural value placed on music and the arts at the time. Moreover, the drawing can be viewed through the lens of gender and class, as the creation and consumption of art were often associated with the upper classes and were predominantly male activities. The attention to detail in the drawing could reflect the artist's own skill and craftsmanship, but it could also be seen as a commentary on the value placed on technical skill in the art world. It invites us to think about the role of music and art in shaping societal hierarchies and cultural values.