Grand piano

A grand piano with gilded and painted surface by François Rochard in polychrome colours with singeries and Berainesque motifs. Mouldings and rim of piano of bronze, chased with gilt. Supported on three incurving cabriole legs with garlands. Pedal section in form of lyre. For Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, the piano was the centre of music-making at home and they installed pianos in the private apartments of all their residences. Together they played arrangements of overtures and symphonies and accompanied each other in song. This elaborately decorated instrument by Erard was intended as a showpiece for the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace. The gilded case is decorated in the French early 18th century style with cherubs and singeries - comical scenes involving monkeys playing musical instruments and making mischief.