18th century + harp portraits
The harp became popular in the 18th century as a more intimate instrument suited for salons and intellectual gatherings. The harp was introduced to opera orchestras in Gluck’s “Orpheus and Eurydice” (1762), where it mimicked the ancient lyre. After this the harp was much featured by composers like Mehul, Spontini, Lesueur and Grétny. By some it was considered a celtic heritage, the Irish harp, by others it was considered a direct link to ancient Greek lyres. The latter was of particular interest in the 18th century, when the re-discovery of Pompeii spurred an interest for everything from antiquity.
Harps from the 17th century often featured just 25 strings in a diatonic scale. The 18th century came with many inventions in this aspect. Harps were now usually made with 35-38 strings, and they had a chromatic scale, thus creating bigger liberty in sound and style for the performer. The pedal harp were also introduced around 1720. The pedals allowed the performer to have both hands free and instead use the feet to change the pitch of the strings.
The harp was considered the ultimate showpiece instrument, displaying the grace, talent and intellect of the performer. No wonder then that there are so many wonderful harp portraits from the 18th century! Here’s some favourites.