Serpent, anonymous, c. 1800 - c. 1825
wood (plant material), h 81.0cm × w 40.0cm × d 10.0cm More details
The serpent’s name is derived from its tortuous shape. It served as a bass instrument in military bands. The serpent’s body consists of two or more pieces of wood that have been hollowed out, joined together, and covered with leather. In the early 19th century, this instrument was gradually replaced by the bass horn, the Russian bassoon, and the ophicleide. By 1850 all instruments of this type became obsolete.
