A Franco-Flemish double-manual harpsichord,
originally a transposing harpsichord made in Antwerp,
c.1620 and
ravalé in Paris in 1750 and then refait by Jacques Barberini, Paris, c.1775
Detail of the
painting on the outside of the lid
Like
many of the other scenes on the outside of the lid of this harpsichord, this
scene is clearly in the style of François Boucher and is based on the painting
in the Alte Pinakothek, Munich which can be seen at the following link: Ms O'Murphy. The date 1750 on the jacks, and the known dates of Barberini,
both indicate that the ravalement must have taken place in stages, and even
make it possible that Boucher may have painted this instrument. However, if it was painted during the time
of Barberini in the period after 1775, then it must have been painted by one of
Boucher’s pupils since Boucher was then already dead. At best they are therefore by a follower or copier of
Boucher. Although now covered with a
heavy layer of brown vanish, the paintings on the outside of the harpsichord
are all of a very high quality. The
decorations should be stunningly brilliant after cleaning and restoration.
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