An artwork on Galleree from Cleveland Museum of Art.
About the artwork
Lamellophone (chisanji)late 1800s
The thumb piano portrays a wonderfully animated man riding a curious quadruped. His hat suggests he is probably a trader (<em>pombeiro</em>) engaged in long-distance commerce.
The CMA acquired this plucky instrument in 1915, one year before it opened to the public.
Wood, iron, and wire
Overall: 19.1 x 10.2 x 6.4 cm (7 1/2 x 4 x 2 1/2 in.)
The Harold T. Clark Educational Extension Fund
In a sun-drenched marketplace, where the air softly buzzes with the chatter of vibrant souls, a thumb piano stands out, its craftsmanship a testament to both skill and imagination. The gentle strokes of its keys reveal a captivating scene—a lively man atop a curious quadruped, his posture radiating a sense of joy and adventure.
Draped in hues of earth and sky, the man's hat tells a story of its own. It hints at his role as a trader, a <em>pombeiro</em>, journeying through distant lands and bustling bazaars, each exchange woven into the tapestry of his life. With each pluck of the piano, one can almost hear the clattering of goods being traded, the laughter of children playing nearby, and the distant echo of waves lapping at the shores of his travels.
This enchanting artwork invites us into a moment of connection, where the rhythm of commerce intertwines with the pulse of human experience. The man and his quadruped epitomize a spirit of exploration, their animated forms a beautiful reminder of the stories that bond us all. As the music flows, we share in the journey, transported beyond our own corners of the world, embracing the wonder of adventure together.
About the artist
Creating transformative experiences through art “for the benefit of all the people forever.”The Cleveland Museum of Art is renowned for the quality and breadth of its collection, which includes more than 66,500 artworks and spans 6,000 years of achievement in the arts. The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from the museum's Open Access data under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 11150 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH, USA 44106
The best place to view Cleveland Museum of Art‘s artwork is on Galleree. Hear the story behind this work, interact with the image, discuss with people, curate your own playlists, and discover so much more from great artists and institutions alike.