Transverse Flute 1767 - 1833

This is Johann Friedrich Boie’s transverse flute, currently residing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. While its exact date remains unknown, its existence speaks volumes about the cultural milieu of its time. Consider the historical backdrop against which this flute was crafted: a period marked by aristocratic patronage of the arts and the burgeoning careers of female musicians, who graced concert halls and opera houses, often celebrated for their virtuosity. This flute embodies the intersection of gender, class, and artistic expression. Who played this flute? Was it a woman challenging social norms through her musical prowess, or was it a man contributing to a culture of both artistic and political expression? As you observe this instrument, imagine the melodies it once produced, and the stories it might tell about the individuals and communities who shaped its sound.