Lot 30 - Italian Single-manual Harpsichord ascribed to Niccolo Campi

Harpsichord

Mar 15

Inner-outer case construction; the inner panelled case possibly of cypress wood, length 172cm without mouldings, width 79.5cm without mouldings; the outer case possibly of poplar wood. The present compass of 50 notes C/E to f3 enlarged from the original. The keyboard with boxwood naturals with arcaded fronts, the accidentals with stained cappings. The present disposition of two 8ft stops, the registers operated through the spine.

The soundboard showing indications of a previous 4ft stop. The outer case painted with armorial and gilt foliate decoration on a dark green ground, the interior painted with classical figures and cherubs. Raised on shaped fretted supports, the front support with a drawer containing components preserved from a restoration. The interior of the lid bearing the inscription: Niccolo Campi - Fece- Ano – 1632 in Fiorenza

Literature:

The Instrument catalogues of Leopoldo Franciolini, Florence:

Instrument number 38 in catalogue 5, series A circa 1900.

Instrument number 38 in catalogue 6, series A circa 1908.

Donald Boalch; Makers of the Harpsichord and Clavichord 1440 – 1840. Published 1995. Page 264.

Jan H Albarada; Wood, Wire, and Quill, an introduction to the harpsichord. Published 1968.

Illustrated on page 23.

Provenance:

This instrument is being sold by Lady Alexandra Scholey née Drew.

Edward Johnson (Grandfather to Lady Alexandra Scholey) purchased this instrument in Florence in 1904. Following a very successful operatic career as a lyric and heldentenor in Italy, he moved to New York as a permanent member of the Metropolitan Opera where he eventually was appointed General Manager.

The instrument was inherited by his daughter Fiorenza Drew, the wife of the hon. George Drew who was Premier of Ontario, the Leader of the Canadian national Progressive Conservative party and finally Canada’s High Commissioner to the UK. The instrument was inherited by Lady Alexandra Scholey née Drew on her parents’ deaths. It has remained in her possession to this this current day.

Estimate: £20,000 - £30,000

Result: