A magnificent 17th Century Italian harpsichord case with 20th Century workings made by Eric Herz (American, 1919-2002), with the entire case and legs carved and embellished with painted and gilded images of flowers, putti, vignette scenes, insects, birds and animals and other foliate designs. The case rests on a carved and gilded base with four carved legs. The case measures overall approx. 78"L x 31"W x 37"H. The sound is bright and resonant. The workings are inscribed "Eric Herz Me Fecit Bostonidae Anno MCMLXXXII". The harpsichord has a single keyboard with bone and ebony keys, and is hand built from a beautiful light ruddy color wood.
Eric Herz was one of the most important harpsichord makers of the 20th Century. He was one of the founders of the Boston Early Music Festival and was its president for four years. "The Eric Herz Memorial Fund will serve as an endowment for the BEMF Exhibition , ensuring its world-leading role as an international showcase for the performing arts, and a respected forum for builders, scholard, and the public to display, compare, learn, exchange ideas, and be inspired." -www.bemf.org. Eric Herz retired in 1995.
8,000/15,000 Sold $11,212.50
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