Caspar Katholnik was born in the village of Villach in Austria in the late 18th century. In 1801, he moved to Vienna and became an instrument maker, and became known for making square pianos. Square pianos had become popular during the late 18th century, made famous by prominent manufacturers such as Jacob Kirckman and Burkat Shudi. The versatility of the instrument was one of its major boons, as the square piano could be found almost anywhere and deemed appropriate, especially in less formal settings. For instance, this Katholnik Viennese piano was decidedly made for inside the home, a realm where women became able to pick up such instruments and become pianists themselves at a time when that had been previously looked down upon.