BIDERMEIER PIANO

A very rare period Bidermeier piano veneered in mahogany, ebony, and lemonwood, adorned with gilt bronze mounts and exquisitely chased. The interior includes, in addition to the keyboard and soundboard, a worktable with various objects in mother-of-pearl, crystal, and gilt bronze. The whole rests on a base comprising four arched legs and a mahogany veneer plinth. Signed by the maker Sebastian Kober.

The Biedermeier spans from 1815 (Congress of Vienna) to 1848 (the beginning of the 1848-1849 Revolution) in the states of the German Confederation and Austria. Politically, it is linked to the German Restoration and the development of these states after the Napoleonic era and the Congress of Vienna. The term Biedermeier refers both to the bourgeois culture and art that emerged during this period and to the literature of that time. The restriction of freedoms and, above all, a certain distrust of political action led artists to retreat into the private sphere, to family and home. Escape into idyllic life and privacy are therefore typical themes. The poet Jean Paul already spoke of "total happiness in limitation." Biedermeier furniture, although not uniform in style, is distinguished by its understated elegance. They are not intended to impress, but to contribute to a feeling of comfort and, above all, must be functional. The first furniture of this style was created in Vienna, drawing inspiration from English furniture. Given the great importance and value placed on handcrafted work, typical Biedermeier furniture tends to be smaller pieces, such as chests of drawers, secretaries, or sewing tables.