InstrumentHarpsichord |
Instrument FamilyKeyboard |
MakerIoannes Couchet |
Place MadeCentral Europe; Antwerp; Europe; Belgium |
Date Made1645 |
DescriptionTechnical description: Single manual Flemish harpsichord. Compass 49 notes C₂ - C₆ [C - c''']. Currently three registers: 2 × 8-ft, 1 × 4-ft.
Decoration: Soundboard and wrestplank are decorated with paintings of flowers, fruit, and birds. Inside of the case and keyboard lined with printed papers. Green and gold case decoration is not original. Initials "R.L." are shown above a trophy painted in the lid.
Signature/Marks: Inscribed on name batten and jackrail "IOANNES COUCHET FECIT ANTVERPIAE"; inscribed on soundboard and jackrail "1645".
Repair History: The instrument underwent a ravelement in the 18th century, and was reduced to its current compass c 1955. Strings removed to relieve tension. Originally 1 × 8-ft, 1 × 4-ft with a C₂/E₂ - C₆ [C/E - c'''] compass.
Technical drawing available from Friends of St Cecilia's Hall. Please see http://www.stceciliasfriends.org.uk/ |
NotesSheila Barnes, 2007. |
Measurements1814.; Baseboard 1: 127cm long, 1.27-22.23cm wide, 1.27cm deep. |
ProvenanceBought by Raymond Russell from Messrs E.C. Legge & Son, Cirencester.; Gift of Mrs Gilbert Russell, 1964. |
CollectionRaymond Russell Collection; MIMEd |
Accession Number4307 |