Harp XVIII Stamped Cousineau In Paris

Harp COUSINEAU Père et Fils in Paris (stamped on the top of the console) Rare model with a rotating pegs system, this characteristic and the very careful craftsmanship as well as the decorative repertoire allow us to think that the instrument dates from the end of the 18th century. The fluted column is carved at the top of a capital in gilded wood richly decorated with a mascaron carried by an arabesque frieze surmounted by leaves of water, the periphery is animated by three ram heads connected by flower garlands and punctuated by alternating acanthus leaves ending in the lower part with an interlacing frieze with rosettes. The soundboard is in light wood extending onto a terrace carved with acanthus leaves and flowered palmette patterns on the front. The mechanical cover with brown varnish highlighted in gold has openings, 41-string system, mechanical with 7 iron pedals. Beautiful state of presentation, to report shortages and wear, instrument to restore. Dimensions: 1 m 64 high X 76 cm wide. Note that a Cousineau model completely identical to ours sold € 8,932 including fees at Me Maigret in Drouot under No. 140 on Wednesday March 27, 2019 (https://www.thierrydemaigret.com/lot/ 97185/10044059) Father and son COUSINEAU were first instrumentalists for Queen MARIE ANTOINETTE and then JOSEPHINE DE BEAUHARNAIS it was they who made his harp which is at the chateau of MALMAISON Cousineau with Nadermann were the most famous factors from the 18th century. It was installed "A la Victoire", rue des Poulies, opposite the colonnade of the Louvre. In 1781, Cousineau obtains the title of "Merchant luthier of the Queen and in 1783 or 1784 he is appointed Luthier Ordinary of the Queen. In 1789, the company name became "Cousineau father and son luthiers merchants in Paris". He sells harps in Germany and Portugal. In 1799, he filed a patent for rotating dowels. Georges Cousineau died in 1800. In 1805 Jacques Georges, son of Georges, became luthier of Her Majesty the Empress, then harp master of the Empress Joséphine.