Single-action pedal harp
Maker
Jean Henri Naderman
Date1797
Place MadeParis, France, Europe
Serial No.58 or 86
SignedLabel below mechanism cover on neck, surrounded by laurel garland: JH (linked together) NADERMAN / Editeur et Marchand de Musique / Luthier Facteur de Harpe Ordinaire du Service / de la Reine, Rue d'Argenteuil Butte St. [superscript] Roch, / a Apollon. A PARIS 1798 (in ink)Label visible through soundhole on soundbox, surrounded by laurel garland: 1797 (in ink) / JH (linked together) NADERMAN / Mtre (superscript) Luthier Facteur de Harpe Ordinaire de / Service de la Reine [Reine is crossed out] Rue de d'Argenteuil Butte / St. (superscript) Roch a Paris 1797 (in ink)
This second label is identical to the first in style but not in wording or dates. It was read by John Koster, who suggested that the crossed out word "Reine" refers to Marie Antoinette and her beheading.
Stamped on knee-block and neck: NADERMAN / A PARIS
Stamped on soundbox: H [diamond] NADERMAN / A PARIS
MarkingsWritten in ink underneath mechanism cover near first label: # 86
Written in ink near scroll, knee-block wedge, and where wedge is inserted: 58
Punched on metal plates near string and pedal mechanisms: 58 D [this is near the string mechanism only]
Written on the bottom in white chalk: Mr. [superscript] Remi / Ader (This is a modern addition.)
DescriptionThe pedal harp was extremely popular in France at the end of the eighteenth century, and many such beautifully carved and painted instruments were made for purchase by wealthy families. This instrument bears Chinoiserie decoration fashionable at the time.
Compass: FF to a3 (38 strings)
Seven pedal harp. Metal pedals, pedal mechanisms, action plates, crochet mechanisms, discs and 38 tuning pins. 38 wooden string pegs with ivory inlay. 38 gut strings, seven of which are wire wrapped, 4 are black and 3 are red strings. Six sound holes, two are single holes near the top of soundboard, four are formed by six small holes in a circle. They are placed in groups of two, the bottom group covering a larger area than the upper group. The rest of the harp is wooden. Removable panel exposes string mechanism and one label. The bottom is also removable.
Decoration:The soundboard is decorated by paintings which start at the top near the neck and conclude at the base of the plinth. Chinoiserie decoration appears elsewhere on the harp.
DimensionsHeight: 1655 mm
Depth from pillar to back of knee block: 711 mm
Length of longest string: 1460 mm
Length of shortest string: 165 mm
Extreme width of soundboard: 362 mm
ProvenancePurchased in 2001 from Tony Bingham, London, England.
Published References"Recent Acquisitions." America's Shrine to Music Museum Newsletter 28, No. 3 (August 2001), p. 6.
André P. Larson. Beethoven & Berlioz, Paris & Vienna: Musical Treasures from the Age of Revolution & Romance 1789-1848. With essay by John Koster. Exhibition catalog, Washington Pavilion, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, September 12-November 2, 2003. Vermillion: National Music Museum 2003. Pages 14, 25, 64, 88.
Credit LinePurchase funds gift of Margaret Ann Everist, 2001
Object number10007
On View
Not on view
1850-1890 ca.
