Museum of Fine Arts, Boston: The Museum Year 2011
The Year
Acquisitions
Art of Europe: July 2009–June 2011
Music stand
about 1810
Made by Sebastian Erard
Height x width: 119.4 cm (47 in.)
Wood; beech, brass candleholders
Classification: Furniture
Culture: English
Accession number: 2010.1042
Location: Susan Morse Hilles Gallery (Regency)
Description: This music stand imitating black and gold Asian lacquer was made by the renowned French instrument maker and inventor Sebastian Erard. Besides harps and pianos, the Erard firm also specialized in at least two kinds of music stands: mahogany and “japanned and gilded” like this one. This duet music stand was previously owned by Gerald Wellesley (1885–1972), 7th Duke of Wellington, whose collection of Regency furniture helped to revive interest in Thomas Hope in the early 20th century.
Provenance/Ownership History: Gerald Wellesley (b. 1885- d. 1972), 7th Duke of Wellington; by descent within the family; sold by the descendants of Wellesley to H. Blairman and Sons, London. About 2002, acquired on the London art market by Horace Wood Brock, New York; 2010, gift of Horace Wood Brock to the MFA. (Accession Date: January 26, 2010)
Gift of Horace Wood Brock