This elegant square grand piano, crafted by Chickering & Sons in the 19th century, is a centerpiece in the musical instrument collection at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. Built during an era of booming innovation in both American music and manufacturing, this piano represents the intersection of art, design, and technological evolution.
Chickering & Sons, founded in Boston in 1823, was one of the most prominent American piano manufacturers of the 19th century. Their instruments were known for their rich tone, ornate cabinetry, and technical innovations—including contributions to the development of the iron frame. This particular square grand style, popular before the dominance of the modern upright and grand piano, reflects the aesthetic sensibilities of its time, with carved legs, rosewood veneer, and a compact form suited to parlor music-making.
Atop the keyboard rests a piece of period sheet music titled “Out of the Trenches”, connecting the instrument to its cultural context. Square grands like this one were common fixtures in 19th-century American homes, used for everything from formal recitals to casual singalongs. Today, they are rare survivors, often replaced by smaller uprights or forgotten entirely.
Displayed in the Smithsonian with reverent lighting and minimal context, this Chickering piano invites close inspection of its craftsmanship—from the intricate inlay to the patinaed keys. It stands not only as a musical instrument but also as a symbol of America’s deep musical heritage.
Photographed here under museum lighting, this image aims to capture both the piano’s physical beauty and its historical weight.
