Harp-lute, ca. 1815
Edward Light (English, active 1780–1820)
London
Wood, lacquered and gilded
Technical Glossary
Edward Light (English, active 1780–1820)
London
Wood, lacquered and gilded
H. 32 3/4 in. (83.2 cm); W. 13 3/4 in. (34.9 cm)
Purchase, funds from various donors, 1889 (50.184.1)
The harplike pillar supports diatonically tuned bass strings to extend the range of the fretted strings. The pitch of the bass strings could be raised a semitone by finger-operated ring stops that work very much like pedals on a harp.
