Description

An 1893, Pleyel grand piano beautifully hand-painted with a fairies, satyrs, nudes, monkeys, mythical creatures, birds, flowers and crested composers names. Signed by G. Meunier. Interesting carved fish on piano cheeks. Carved lions head on lid lock. Carved bevelled edge on lid. Piano case sits on ornately carved french walnut frame, carved with foliage and flowers. Piano has six cabriole legs with scroll feet.

G. Meunier

Georges Meunier (1869 - 1942) was an eminent french poster artist. He worked under Cheret at the Chaix print house in Paris where he produced more than 50 original posters advertising products and parisian events. His works are now considered iconic and reflect a golden era of french poster art. Meunier was born in Saint-Cloud, France in 1869. As a young man he moved to Paris and studied at the National School of Fine Arts and studied under Joseph-Robert Fleury. Later he attended The School for the Decorative Arts where he trained in both classical and modern design. Meunier started work at the Chaix print house in 1894 working under Cheret, the founder of the advertising poster movement. He drew his posters directly onto lithographic plates. He stayed until 1898. During his time there he designed 44 to 56 dated posters. Meunier became well known in Paris, his posters were exhibited in salons across the city.

Ignace Pleyel

Ignace Pleyel (1757-1831), born in Austria, set up as a piano manufacturer in 1807, aged 50. His early career was as a pianist and composer. He was Haydn’s pupil at Eisenstadt, Austria. In 1795, he moved to Paris and set up a music publishing firm “Maison Pleyel” that published thousands of works. In 1805, Ignace Pleyel joined forces with Charles Lemme, a well-known piano builder. Pleyel lacked the skills in piano building but had the money to invest. Their partnership lasted only a few years. After the split, Pleyel took on foreign workers, and set up his own business building square pianos and harps. It was a time of economic decline and his business suffered. By 1822, when Ignace formed a partnership with his son Camille and Pleyel had only sold approximately 600 pianos. In the late 1820’s Pleyel became associated with the famous teacher Kalkbrenner which brought in fresh money and clients. The company received its first gold medal at the 1827 expo (followed by 1827, 1834, 1839 and 1844). In 1832, Chopin gave his first concert at the Salons Pleyel, rue Cadet. This proved to be the best marketing for the company and its success went from strength to strength.

This piano features in The Golden Age of Pianos Collection. A collection of unique, art cased pianos from the height of European piano making, for sale exclusively from Besbrode Pianos Leeds

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Piano Stools:
This piano comes with a free piano stool

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Optional Extras:
Retrofit a player system or silent system

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