Harp

Round-backed soundbox of black lacquered wood, with five rectangular flaps in the central section, decorated with 'Grecian'-style figures and musical trophies in gold paint. Back laquered and fluted column, terminating in gilt gesso capital 'supported' by three winged female caryatids, and decorated with bands of palmettes and with a band of mermaids bearing lyres and trumpets. Front of pedalbox, on four simple paw feet, and base of column also covered in gilt gesso, decorated with stylised scrolling foliage and lyres, with two applied lions on upper part of the pedalbox, either side of column. Back of pedalbox decorated with alternating vertical stripes of gold and orange paint. Single row of 'fourchettes' along the neck, operated by seven single-lever type brass pedals, with coil springs in pedalbox. An eighth pedal operates the flaps in the back of the soundbox. Upper surface of neck painted with a repeating pattern of grapes and vines. Soundboard painted with two pairs of stylised 'Grecian' figures playing instruments, and with two musical trophies in gold, set within a broad, painted border of foliage, figures and grotesques. Compass: 43 strings, EE – c3.