Franco-Flemish double-manual harpsichord, originally a 'transposing' harpsichord made in Antwerp in 1617 by Frans van Huffel.  It was given a bass ravalement in Paris sometime between 1742 and 1750.  It then received a major alteration when it was lavishly decorated and given a bass ravalement in 1750 by François Étienne Blanchet.  Later is was given a treble ravalement in 1786 by Jacques Barberini and Nicolas Hoffmann.

 

 

A view from the SPINE side of the instrument with the lid fully open

 

Details about the Franco-Flemish harpsichord 

          This photograph gives a good idea of the splendour of the outside lid painting, the spine decoration and the stand.  The outside of the case is decorated on a ground of thick gold leaf with oil paintings on top of the gold, a process known in the eighteenth century as ‘vernis martin’.  The figure paintings on the top of the lid, and the decorations around the paintings and also those on the spine, have all been attributed to François Boucher, Paris, 1750.  These paintings and decorations have now been cleaned and, now restored, the affected parts look particularly brilliant and beautiful.  This is only one example in the world of two French 18th-century harpsichords with a decorated spine!

          The stand is particularly fine, and is beautifully carved and gilded.  The height of the stand is greater than normal and raises the instrument into a higher playing position (to accommodate the bulky skirts of the grand ladies).