Harpsichord
Category
Musical instruments, devices and recordings
Date
Unknown
Materials
Ivory, ebony, walnut, pine and paint.
Measurements
522 mm (Width) x 222 mm (Depth); 1675 mm (Length)
Order this imageCollection
Fenton House, London
NT 1448920
Summary
Harpsichord, unattributed, Italy, c. 1590. A single-manual harpsichord possessing its original ‘true inner-outer’ painted case, resting on three period turned legs. Unattributed, but built in Italy (possibly in northern Italy) around 1590. The case of the instrument proper of walnut featuring one surviving carved winged putto at the bass end of the keyboard and a decorative vignette to the fascia board. The décor of both outer case and legs is later, as may be the internal lid painting that depicts the biblical scene of Moses and Aaron, the latter turning his staff into a snake before the Pharaoh (Exodus VIII: 10-11). The internal case décor is probably original and the coniferous soundboard is inset with a decorative tiered parchment rose. Furnished with one attached (not used) and one unattached (used) lid prop-stick. The keyboard compass is C/E short octave (with divided accidentals to provide F# and G#) – c''' and the instrument retains its original 1x8' disposition.
Provenance
Harpsichord, by an unknown maker, c. 1590, Italy. Acquired by the Friends of Old Devonshire House Society in late 1938 or 1939, this house having been transferred to the National Trust in February 1938. Described in Amateur Musician, 1939.