Portable Organ and Bible Regal by William Gibb

Portable Organ and Bible Regal by William Gibb

C. 1888

Chromolithograph

Showcasing two historic European keyboard instruments, this meticulous late nineteenth-century illustration features a Portable Organ and Bible Regal: an ornate, upright portable pipe organ with decorated wooden paneling and exposed metal pipes (top), paired with a rare, compact folding reed organ designed to shut like a large book (bottom). Formed by the celebrated Scottish artist and master illustrator William Gibb, this artwork was printed as a rich chromolithograph and published in 1888. The composition displays exceptional technical accuracy, carefully rendering the varying lengths of the organ pipes, the texture of the worn leather book-binding casings, and the precise arrangement of the individual keys against a soft, uniform background. This specific plate provides an accurate historical record of these rare early keyboard instruments, documenting their unique physical structures and decorative craftsmanship during the late nineteenth century.

This plate was originally produced for the landmark publication Musical Instruments, Historic, Rare and Unique, written by musicologist Alfred James Hipkins. During the late nineteenth century, a growing European fascination with ethnomusicology and antiquarianism fueled a desire to visually preserve rare cultural artifacts before they disappeared. Gibb became highly celebrated for his exceptional ability to translate the complex textures of historic objects into print media.

Dimensions: H 11 ¾” x 16”W

Condition: In very good condition