Harpo-lyre

ca. 1830

Not on view

This three-necked instrument features a central neck tuned like a conventional guitar (E-A-d-g-b-e'), plus a neck on the left tuned chromatically (A-B flat-B-c-d flat-d-e flat) and one on the right tuned diatonically (c'-d'-e'-f'-g'-a'-b'-c2). The back and sides are of figured walnut. Ormolu (mercury-gilded brass) mounts decorate the yoke of the guitar.

Artwork Details

Overview

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

References

Title: Harpo-lyre
Maker: probably André Augustin Chevrier (French, Mirecourt active 1820–1842 Brussels)
Date: ca. 1830
Geography: Mirecourt, France
Culture: French
Medium: Spruce, walnut, ormolu
Dimensions: Total L. approx. 99 cm (39 in.); String L. (center) 65 cm (25 9/16 in.); String L. (sides) 70 cm (27 9/16 in.)
Classification: Chordophone-Lute-plucked
Credit Line: Purchase, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas A. Cassilly Gift, 1992
Object Number: 1992.117.1, .2
Curatorial Department: Musical Instruments

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