Claude Montal Exposition Universelle Piano

About the Item

Crafted by renowned French artisan and author Claude Montal, this piano was presented at the famed Crystal Palace exhibition in London in 1851, where it was highly awarded for its exquisite craftsmanship. Three years later, at the 1855 Exposition Universelle in Paris, Montal’s piano won the coveted gold medal. Showcasing rich marquetry of prized woods including rosewood, kingwood and Algerian cedar, the piano’s decadent details, including an eagle, foliate motifs and cartouches, are further heightened by doré bronze mounts and masks. Born in La Palisse, France in 1800, Claude Montal succumbed to a childhood illness that left him blind by the age of 4. Encouraged by his parents, Montal attended the Institute for Blind Youth of Paris, where he was a skilled student. He learned to play various instruments and found his calling as a piano tuner, later writing several books on the subject. In 1834, Montal began designing small pianos, quickly receiving great acclaim for his artistry and technical finesse. His award-winning pianos led him to be bestowed one of France’s highest honors, the Legion of Honor, in 1851. Circa 1850 Inscribed “MONTAL / Fournisseurs de LL. MM. L’Empereur et L’Imperatrice des Francais, / et de la Maison Imperiale du Brésil / PARIS” Bears Exposition Universelle medal 49 1/2“ high x 60 1/2” wide x 31 3/8“ deep

Dimensions:
Height: 49.5 in (125.73 cm)Width: 60.5 in (153.67 cm)Depth: 31.38 in (79.71 cm)
Materials and Techniques:
Bronze,Cedar,Kingwood,Rosewood,Marquetry
Place of Origin:
France
Period:
19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
Circa 1850
Condition:
Seller Location:
New Orleans, LA
Reference Number:
Seller: 31-68661stDibs: LU891135118842
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