Square Piano

Art Historical Context

Step into the elegant world of early American music with this exquisite square piano crafted by Dodds & Claus 1791. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Department of Musical Instruments, thisophone—classified as a zither-str piano—measures approximately 60 inches wide, 29.5 inches deep, 25.5 inches, resting gracefully on four square tapered legs with casters for easy. Its compact, rectangular form made it a favored choice for genteel homes in the post-Revolutionary United States, bridging the gap between harpsichords and the grander pianos of later eras. Constructed from rich mahogany with accents of stained hardwood, iron framing, ivory, and bone keys, the instrument showcases masterful 18th-century cabinetry and mechanical ingenuity. The use of durable woods and high-quality materials reflects the burgeoning craftsmanship of American makers like Dodds & Claus, who adapted European designs to local tastes and resources. Ivory and bone naturals provided a smooth touch, while the iron frame hinted at innovations supporting greater string tension for richer tone. Acquired through the Crosby Brown Collection in 1978, this piano offers a tangible link to America's cultural refinement during its formative years. It evokes intimate drawing-room concerts, where music symbolized sophistication and emerging national identity, inviting visitors to imagine the delicate trills and lively sonatas that once filled early American parlors.