Italian Transverse, Single Manual Harpsichord
Italian Transverse, Single Manual Harpsichord
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- Description (Brief)
- This harpsichord was made by an unknown maker in Italy, in the early 18th century. It is a transverse, single manual harpsichord with a compass of FF - c3 (no FF# and GG#), and a disposition of 1 x 8’, 1 x 4’. The harpsichord has a cypress soundboard and the projecting keyboard, when pushed all the way in, plays 8’ alone; when pulled halfway out plays 8’ and 4’ together; when pulled all the way out, 4’ alone. The naturals are dark-stained hardwood with arcaded fronts and the accidentals are made of dark-stained hardwood capped with ebony and have diamond-shaped mother-of-pearl inlays at the base and small ivory buttons on top.
- The inseparable case is made of painted wood and has a three-legged stand. The interior of the lid is painted with a landscape in a cartouche surrounded by ornamental scrolls.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Object Name
- harpsichord
- place made
- Italy
- Physical Description
- wood (overall material)
- metal (overall material)
- paint (overall material)
- Measurements
- overall: 35 1/2 in x 98 in x 30 1/2 in; 90.17 cm x 248.92 cm x 77.47 cm
- ID Number
- MI.60.1395
- accession number
- 227687
- catalog number
- 60.1395
- Credit Line
- Gift of Cooper Union Museum
- See more items in
- Cultural and Community Life: Musical Instruments
- Music & Musical Instruments
- Harpsichords
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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