Harpsichord by Pertici, Giovanni de
Maker:
Pertici, Giovanni de
Number of manuals:
Two
Year:
Museum:
Grassi Museum für Angewandte Kunst
Date Range
1650-1800
Current Location:
Germany
Material:
Painter:
Pedals:
Catalogue Number:
BMO-1414
Origin:
Germany
Type:
Harpsichord
The name-plate is probably a forgery. The case is certainly 18th-century or earlier and presumably Italian. The instrument's fundamental design is clearly non-Italian, however, following the model of northern instruments (two manuals; 8', 8', and 4' registers; robust walls resting on the bottom board; and a bentside that is largely straight, curving only in the treble). Based on the case width, ornamentation, and probable string scaling, it is most likely German (Saxon), dating from the second half of the 17th century to the early 18th century at the latest. The signature was presumably added—in keeping with the practice of Italian forgers—only shortly before the instrument was sold to Alessandro Kraus.
Credit: Uni Leipzig