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Harpsichord
Henri Hemsch (French (born in Germany), 1700–1769)
probably 1736
Object Place: Paris, France
Medium/Technique
Poplar
Dimensions
Length 238 cm, width 89 cm, case height 28.3 cm, height 92.5 cm (Length 93 11/16 in., width 35 1/16 in., case height 11 1/8 in., height 36 7/16 in.)
Credit Line
Edward F. Searles Musical Instrument Collection—Gift of Edward S. Rowland, Benjamin A. Rowland, Jr., George B. Rowland, Daniel B. Rowland, Rodney D. Rowland and M.A. Swedlund in memory of their father, Benjamin Allen Rowland
Accession Number1981.747
CollectionsEurope, Musical Instruments
ClassificationsMusical instruments – Chordophones
InscriptionsSigned around rose: HENRY HEMSCH; 17[?]6 on soundboard near tail the third digit had been altered to read "0" at some time previous to the instrument's arrival at the MFA.
ProvenanceAbout 1887/8, sold by unidentified dealer to Edward F. Searles (1841-1920), Methuen, Massachusetts, possibly during an extended honeymoon in Europe; by 1920, by inheritance to B. Allen Rowland (1910-1991), New Castle, New Hampshire; 1981, gift of the estate of B. Allen Rowland, Lawrence, Massachusetts, to the MFA. (Accession Date: January 22, 1992)
Les Tendres Plaintes (rondeau), 1724
Composed by Jean-Philippe Rameau
Performed by Peter Sykes