Italian Single Manual Harpsichord

Description (Brief):

This harpsichord was made by an unknown maker in Italy, in 1654. It is a single manual harpsichord with a compass of CC/EE - f3, and a disposition of 2 x 8’. This harpsichord has a cypress soundboard, and ivory naturals with arcade fronts and ebony accidentals. There is a small sliding panel in the cheekpiece that covers two knobs, which activate slides. The soundboard contains a parchment rose. "1654" is inscribed on the bottom key.

Description (Brief)

The separable outer case is made of painted wood with raised gilt-gesso borders and painted floral decorations. The interior of the lid is painted with a landscape featuring buildings and figures. There are three legs fastened directly to the bottom of the case. The two front legs are connected by a wood stretcher.

Date Made: 1654

Location: Currently not on view

Place Made: Italy

See more items in: Culture and the Arts: Musical Instruments, Music & Musical Instruments, Harpsichords

Exhibition:

Exhibition Location:

Credit Line: Gift of Hugo Worch

Data Source: National Museum of American History

Id Number: MI.299846Accession Number: 61285Catalog Number: 299846

Object Name: harpsichordkeyboard back, pieces oflock boardmusic desk

Physical Description: wood (overall material)paint (overall material)metal (overall material)Measurements: overall instrument: 8 1/4 in x 29 3/4 in x 72 in; 20.955 cm x 75.565 cm x 182.88 cmcase: 9 3/4 in x 33 in x 75 1/2 in; 24.765 cm x 83.82 cm x 191.77 cmoverall: harpsichord: 13 3/4 in x 33 in x 75 1/2 in; 34.925 cm x 83.82 cm x 191.77 cmoverall: pieces of keyboard back: 3/8 in x 30 in x 2 1/2 in; .9525 cm x 76.2 cm x 6.35 cmoverall: lock board: 1 in x 31 1/4 in x 8 3/4 in; 2.54 cm x 79.375 cm x 22.225 cmoverall: music desk: 3/4 in x 30 in x 10 1/4 in; 1.905 cm x 76.2 cm x 26.035 cm

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746b3-73c4-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_606007

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