Previous Next

Oboe

beginning of the 18th century, Manufacturer: Hendrik Richters

 

 

Oboe

The oboe belongs to the group of double-reed instruments and developed out of the shawm. Due to its powerful sound, flexible timbre and extensive range, it became a much-loved solo and ensemble instrument during the Baroque period. The typical Baroque instrument has two keys for the notes C and E-flat, the upper being a double key. The way the instrument was held, with either the right or left hand at the lower end, had not yet been standardised and both options were open to the player. Hendrik Richters was born in 1683 in Amsterdam and, although he died when he was only 45, he left a great number of oboes that are among the most beautiful of their kind. With exquisite craftsmanship, Hendrik Richters worked these materials into exclusive, precious artefacts. Whereas the ornamental rings of other of his instruments are often made of ebony, this oboe has finely chiselled, perforated silver rings. An unusual feature of this instrument is the connecting silver chain which prevents segments of the body from getting lost. (rh/bd)

Lit.: Rudolf Hopfner: Masterpieces from the Collection of Historic Musical Instruments. A Short Guide through the Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna, Vol. 1, Vienna 2019

Location: Neue Burg, Sammlung alter Musikinstrumente Saal 11

Object data

Object Name

Oboe

Culture

Netherlands, Amsterdam

Dated

beginning of the 18th century

Manufacturer

Hendrik Richters (1683 Amsterdam - 1727)

Dimensions Cover size is a museum or exhibition-specific information. It does not specify the real dimensions of the musical instrument.

575 mm x 65 mm x 65 mm

Image rights

Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien, Sammlung alter Musikinstrumente

Inv. No.

Sammlung alter Musikinstrumente, 653

Kunst & Patenschaft

This object is still without a Art Patron. Accept the patronage and make sure that this cultural treasure is preserved for future generations.
Your donation is a direct and sustainable contribution to the scientific documentation, research, restoration, and presentation of the artworks of the Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien.

Become an art patron