Name/Title
PianoforteEntry/Object ID
2002.043.1Description
One pianoforte in the Sheraton style with six reeded legs. The piano is surfaced with Rosewood veneer and decorated with inlays of brass beading and sleeves on the upper portions of the legs. It has two drawers with wooden pulls.
A stenciled maker's name is located on the fall board and reads: "Made by Jason Herlson, Chamber Street, New York".
This pianoforte has five octaves.Context
The pianoforte, simplified to piano, is a percussion instrument. When keys are pushed a felt covered hammer hits the strings inside the instrument. The strings vibrate, transmitting to the soundboard, which creates the sounds you hear. Each key produces a different pitch.
Like many early pianos this instrument has only a single pedal towards the back left of the instrument. When this pedal was pushed an iron rod was pushed upward into the piano. This pedal was used to sustain the notes, by lifting the dampers off the strings.
This pianoforte can be seen in the parlor of the Livingston-Backus House.Collection
Genesee Country Village and MuseumMade/Created
Manufacturer
Jason HerlsonDate made
1825 - 1835Place
City
New York CityState/Province
New YorkCountry
United States of AmericaContinent
North AmericaInscription/Signature/Marks
Type
SignatureLocation
InsideTranscription
Jennie Corl Mattie Corl, Candor, NYDimensions
Height
35 inWidth
68-1/2 inDepth
27 inDimension Notes
Height given is when the piano is closed. When the key board cover is open the piece is actually 43" high.Material
rosewood veneer, Brass, Iron, Ivory
