Pedal Harp 1819

Henri Naderman created this pedal harp in France using wood, metal, and possibly organic materials like animal gut for the strings. These are not traditional art materials, but materials associated with instrument-making. The harp’s visual appearance results from the combination of different materials, each chosen for its particular resonance and structural properties. The wood gives the instrument its shape and provides a surface for decoration. Notice the carved details and gilded elements – these elevate the harp beyond a mere functional object, positioning it as a luxury item. The harp reflects skilled craftsmanship and draws from traditions of woodworking, gilding, and musical instrument construction. These skills, while specialized, were often excluded from the realm of ‘fine art.’ Yet the time, labor, and knowledge invested in this harp are undeniable. Considering the material and the making reminds us that objects like this were not simply aesthetic creations, but also products of a specific social context, made by skilled hands.