Instrument
Harp |
Instrument Family
Strings |
Maker
Cousineau |
Date Made
Late 18th Century |
Description
Technical description: Part of a harp, only the soundboard and back surviving. Soundboard of cross-grained (horizontal) spruce with sycamore peg holder in the centre. 37 pegs (some now missing). Soundboard made up of twelve pieces joined edge to edge. 7 ribs at the back of stained wood, probably sycamore. 6 sets of holes in the soundboard acting as roses in a circular shape. Support for the peg holder under the soundboard. All of the joints of the back have spruce linings. Lower part of poplar. Rectangular hole 95 × 36 in bottom allowing a view of the interior. Broken off dowels remaining for attaching the bow and headstock. Two pieces of decoration (length c 162 × width 60 maximum) loose from the remainder of the instrument, one piece with carved foliage on it, plus piece of ebony length 122 with cut ends found inside the harp.
Overall size: 1170 (at front).
Body width: 356 (bottom) - 99 (top).
Body depth: 198 (bottom) - 55 (top).
No inscriptions.
Decorative features: Red stained ribs. Soundboard painted with scenes trees, house and a human at the bottom, then flowers and instruments further up (each side of the peg support), flowers near the top. The soundboard has been varnished over. |
Notes
D.P. Martin, 1996-1997. |
Measurements
1170 (at front). |
Provenance
Purchased in 1983 with assistance from the Government's Local Museums Purchase Fund and the University's General Council Trust. |
Collection
Glen Collection ; MIMEd |
Accession Number
1173 |