Ancient instruments, Bell Harp and Hurdy-Gurdy. Lithograph c1888.
$90.00
Antique print of Bell Harp and Hurdy Gurdy (belonging to the same owner). This Bell Harp made c1700, made by English soldier John Simcock, was named for Simcock's superior officer by the name of Bell. It has has four roses and fourteen notes of brass strings of four unisons each. Like a zither, the bell harp is played with a plectrum of each thumb, swinging the instrument as it is played. The French Hurdy Gurdy, also known as a Vielle. With a musette (refined bagpipe) it was depicted in late 18th century French paintings, but became a street instrument after the French Revolution.
Original colour-printed lithograph by William Gibb for the first edition of “Musical Instruments – Historic, Rare and Unique” by Alfred James Hipkins (1826-1903), published in Edinburgh, circa 1888 by Adam and Charles Black.
This lithograph is from the rare first edition. Gibb's lithographs for the first edition of Hipkins's work are considered to be the finest illustrations of musical instruments ever done. Although from a decommissioned library edition, the framing presentation of this image is not marred by the library stamp.
Page size: 405 x 295 mm (approximately 16 x 11.5 inches). Lithograph size: 320 x 210 mm (approx. 11.5 x 8.25 inches).
