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Louis XV Special Harp

Lyon & Healy American
August 24, 1916
Not on view
This stunning harp was made by Lyon & Healy of Chicago in 1916. It was custom made for the daughter of a wealthy Pennsylvania mine owner and its elaborate carved and gilt decorations took more than two years to create. The instrument has been played and exhibited across the country and was copied at several points in the 1920s, 1980s, and 1990s, though with simplified decorative design. The instrument is in near pristine condition and survives with its accompanying music stand and musician’s stool in a similar decorative style.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Louis XV Special Harp
  • Maker: Lyon & Healy (American, Chicago, Illinois)
  • Date: August 24, 1916
  • Culture: American
  • Medium: Harp: Maple, spruce, rosewood inlay, gold leaf
    Chair: Wood and gilding
    Music Stand: Wood and gilding
  • Dimensions: Harp:
    Height = 72”
    Depth at widest point = 40 1/2”
    Width = c. 21"

    Case:
    Extreme height = 78”
    Extreme depth = 46”
    Extreme width = 25"
    Chair:
    Maximum height (including back) = 31”
    Height of seat = 17 1/2”
    Width = 16 1/2”
    Depth = 18”

    Music Stand:
    Music board:
    Height = 12 1/2”
    Width = 19 1/4"
    Depth = 4 1/4 (including mounting on back)

    Rod extending downwards from the board = c.21”

    Base of music stand:
    Height of stand without board =25 ”
    Depth and width = 12 1/2” square

    Overall unextended height of music stand (including base and board) = 38”
  • Classification: Musical instruments
  • Credit Line: Gift of Peter Reis and Rebecca Flannery, 2025
  • Object Number: 2025.813.1a–c
  • Curatorial Department: Musical Instruments

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Salzedo Model Pedal Harp, Lyon & Healy American, Spruce, maple, metal, American
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Vase with cornstalks, Tiffany Studios, Porcelaneous earthenware, American
Vase with cornstalks
Tiffany Studios
ca. 1904–05
Double Chromatic Harp, Henry Greenway American, born England, Spruce, maple, metal, gilding, brass, American
Double Chromatic Harp
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after 1895
Pedal Harp, Lyon & Healy American, Wood, metal, American
Pedal Harp
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Covered bowl with Boston ivy, Tiffany Studios, Porcelaneous earthenware, American
Covered bowl with Boston ivy
Tiffany Studios
ca. 1904–09

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