Bassoon
1790–1800
Medium
Maple, brass
Dimensions
L. 51 in. (129.4 cm)
Classification
Aerophone-Reed Vibrated-double reed
Culture
French
Department
Musical Instruments
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Purchase, Clara Mertens Bequest, in memory of André Mertens, 1999
Accession Number
1999.307a, b
About this artwork
This bassoon represents the exceptional craftsmanship of Dominique Antony Porthaux (ca. 1751-1839), one of the most important woodwind instrument makers in late 18th-century Paris. Porthaux established his workshop on rue Dauphine in 1782 and quickly gained recognition, being appointed 'facteur ordinaire de la musique du roi et des musiques militaires' (ordinary maker to the king's music and military bands) in 1785. In 1786, he purchased the prestigious workshop of the instrument maker Prudent f...
Art Historical Context
Step into the world of 18th-century Parisian craftsmanship with this exquisite bassoon, crafted by Dominique Antony Porthaux 1790–1800. Porthaux (ca. 1751–1839), one of the era's premier woodwind makers, opened his rue Dauphine workshop in1782 and rose swiftly to prominence. By 1785, he was "facteur ordinaire de la du roi et des mus militaires," supplying instruments to the king's music and military bands. 1786, he the renowned workshop of maker Prudent for 7,022 livres, upholding Paris's legacy of superior instrument-making. Fashioned from maple with gleaming brass fittings, this 51-inch aer...