Technological Study of the Decoration on an Erard Harp from 1818 |
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| Authors: | Panagiotis Poulopoulos Marisa Pamplona Luise Richter Elke Cwiertnia |
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| Institution: | 1. Sonic, Visual and Exhibition Cultures, Research Institute for the History of Science and Technology, Deutsches Museum Munich, Germanyp.poulopoulos@deutsches-museum.de https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8358-8756;3. Department of Conservation Science, Research Institute for the History of Science and Technology, Deutsches Museum, Munich, Germany;4. Department of Restoration, Art Technology and Conservation Science, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany;5. Rathgen-Forschungslabor, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, Stiftung Preu?ischer Kulturbesitz, Berlin, Germany |
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| Abstract: | ABSTRACTHistorical pedal harps from the early nineteenth century are highly adorned objects, decorated with various techniques such as polychromy, gilding, decoupage, and gilt composition ornaments. Even though a large number of such instruments are kept in private and public collections, until now their decorative features have not been examined systematically. Moreover, little has been written about the motives behind the choice of various decorative techniques by harp makers. This article presents results from the investigation of a double-action harp made in 1818 by Erard, the leading manufacturer of harps in Regency London, focusing on the technological aspects of its decorative features. Various analytical methods, such as visual examination, microscopy, SEM-EDX, FTIR, and Py-GC-MS, were used to identify the inorganic and organic components in the coating of the harp and to analyse its stratigraphy. Inspection with ultraviolet light revealed details of the original layers and of later additions, while radiography made the internal structure as well as damaged areas and repairs visible. The outcome of this object-based examination was complemented by archival research on the Erard firm, providing new insight into Erard’s production and marketing strategies. |
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| Keywords: | Erard pedal harp musical instruments Regency London decoration polychromy coating decoupage composition ornaments gilding |
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https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8358-8756;3. Department of Conservation Science, Research Institute for the History of Science and Technology, Deutsches Museum, Munich, Germany;4. Department of Restoration, Art Technology and Conservation Science, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany;5. Rathgen-Forschungslabor, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, Stiftung Preu?ischer Kulturbesitz, Berlin, Germany