14th CENTURY HARP
This lap frame harp is reconstructed from the 'Angel Duet' by Gherado Starmina (Italian-active, 1387-1413). The panel (480mm x 720mm) was once part of an alterpiece in the Laurentian Chapel of the Certosa, a Cartusian monastery near Florence. It is now in the Museum Boymans-van Beuningen, Rotterdam.
The frame is made in sycamore, which is stained and has a matt finish. The black tuning pins are in hardened black steel, and the 22 gut strings are secured with ebony pins. The decoration is painted on to the front of the pillar.
SPECIFICATIONS
Length of soundbox: 625mm
Length of pillar: 925mm
Lower width of soundbox: 1400mm
tapering to 82mm
String length: 780mm to 140mm
Tuning: C (780mm) to c" (140mm)