H. Lichtenthal grand piano, Brussels, 1835

Herman Lichtenthal is a fine example of a Belgian piano maker with foreign roots. He was born in Silezia (Poland) and came to Brussels in 1828. From 1841 he was active in Sint Petersburg. This extraordinary  grand piano shows his knowledge of the international piano making. Its length is based on the ‘Pocket Grand’ from Wornum in London. Exceptional is the fine layer of mahogany wood on the soundboard. This to the example of Pleyel in Paris, who patented this idea in 1830.

Technical data:

• Inscription: H. Lichtenthal Facteur du Roi Bruxelles
• Compass: 6 octaves (CC-c'''')
• Keyboard: naturals in ivory, sharps in ebony
• Pedals: 2: una corda - forte
• Dimensions: L 163 cm / W 118 cm
• Case: speckled mahogany
• Serial number: 371
• Literature: VANDERVELLEN, P. "Le pianoforte dans les provinces belges (1761-1851)", page 182
• Chris Maene Collection number: CM 62 334
• Location: 1 - Museum "Piano's Maene" Brussels