BY GAVEAU, PARIS, 1924

Details

A FRENCH POLYCHROME PAINTED AND PARCEL-GILT GRAND PIANO
BY GAVEAU, PARIS, 1924
Painted overall with Neo-Classical musical motifs, the lid finely painted with Venus in her chariot among putti, the reverse further decorated with a floral wreath, the case supported by swans with out-stretched wings above tapering baluster legs, the pedals in the form of a lyre, the soundboard with 'GAVEAU PARIS' label, the interior with cut-brass plaque numbered '176266', the keyboard backplate also signed 'GAVEAU/ PARIS'
7 ft. (213.5 cm.) high, open; 40 in. (101.5 cm.) high, closed; 8 ft. (204 cm.) long; 48 in. (147.5 cm.) wide

Special notice

This lot will be removed to Christie’s Park Royal. Christie’s will inform you if the lot has been sent offsite. Our removal and storage of the lot is subject to the terms and conditions of storage which can be found at Christies.com/storage and our fees for storage are set out in the table below - these will apply whether the lot remains with Christie’s or is removed elsewhere. Please call Christie’s Client Service 24 hours in advance to book a collection time at Christie’s Park Royal. All collections from Christie’s Park Royal will be by pre-booked appointment only. Tel: +44 (0)20 7839 9060 Email: cscollectionsuk@christies.com. If the lot remains at Christie’s it will be available for collection on any working day 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. Lots are not available for collection at weekends.

Brought to you by

Giles Forster

gforster@christies.com +44 (0)20 7389 2146

Lot Essay

This grand piano is recorded as no. 76266 in the Registre de Fabrication for Gaveau on 17 October 1924, for an unknown client referred to as ‘Le Matin’. This Parisian firm of piano and harpsichord makers was founded by Joseph Gaveau (d. 1803) in 1847, initially from a small shop at the rue des Vinaigriers, and later the workshop and offices were transferred to the rue Servan. Following the succession of Gaveau’s son Etienne as director of the firm, a large factory was constructed at Fontenay-sous-Bois. In 1907, a new concert hall, Salle Gaveau in the rue la Boëtie was opened, emulating the example of other leading piano-makers, in particular their great rival Pleyel, and the firm moved to offices in this street from 1908.

More from The Collector: Silver & 19th Century Furniture, Sculpture & Works of Art

View All