Images(11)

Grand Harmonicon

Date1825-1850

Artist/Maker Francis Hopkinson Smith

OriginAmerica, Maryland, Baltimore

MediumGlass, paint, gilding, mahogany, Spanish cedar, poplar, white pine, copper alloy, resin

DimensionsCase: H: 8 3/4 in, L: 35 11/16 in., D: 21 11/16 in Glasses: diam ranging from 3 1/4 to 4 7/8 in

Credit LineGift of Mr. & Mrs. Roger F. H. Leclere

Object number1988-510

DescriptionThe object is a set of musical glasses. There were originally 24 glasses; one is now missing. The diameters of the glasses range from 3 1/8 inches to 5 inches and their appearance is that of a large wine goblet with the foot removed. The glasses have reverse gilt letters applied to the exterior of the bowl denoting the musical note. The gilding has been covered with a protective layer of black paint forming a circle. The musical note has also been etched into the base of each bowl where it joins the stem.

The mahogany-veneered case has crotch wood book-matched veneering on top with 2 7/8 inch cross-banding around, mitered at corners. The front has book-matched veneering on base and lid, divided and surrounded by 1 inch banding to imitate four drawers. The interior of the case is veneered with mahogany. The glass rack of spanish cedar has holes to hold twenty-four glasses.
MarkingsGlasses are reverse-painted denoting musical notes. The notes are also etched into the base of each bowl.
ProvenanceThis set has a history of ownership in the Daubney family in Virginia going back to the mid-nineteenth century. [See curatorial notes]

Exhibition(s)