This wonderful example of tramp art gives new meaning to “baby” grand piano. True to life but miniature in scale, the smooth planes of the sides and top accentuate the distinctive texture of the crenellated chip-carved edges. While there is no reason to dispute that the whittling done by itinerants gave rise to the name “tramp art” popularly applied to this type of work, many men from stable households also practiced the art. The profile and texture of tramp art was a direct response to the limitations imposed by the size and thickness of the wood available. Small boxes or substantial pieces of furniture all faced the same challenge of building up the overall dimension to suit the desired end product. The use of packing crates rather than cigar boxes alleviated part of the problem, and cigar boxes were also used brick-style to form larger pieces.

Stacy C. Hollander, "Miniature Tramp Art Baby Grand Piano," exhibition label for Jubilation|Rumination: Life, Real and Imagined. Stacy C. Hollander, curator. New York: American Folk Art Museum, 2012.