DRBR 2: In which cherubs sit on a cloud

Image copyright Jewish Theological Seminary of America. Used with permission. Click to see larger image.

JTS manuscript DR4-R82 is a pen-and-ink drawing of cherubs sitting on a cloud, which floats beneath a shining crown. The cherubs are singing music from a scroll and above them float the words “To the Queen, with Her Majesty’s most Gracious Permission this Work is most respectfully inscribed by Her Majesty’s most faithful obedient and humble servant Harriett Abrams, Park Lane 1803”.

Ever heard of Harriett Abrams? I hadn’t either, but here’s Wikipedia:

Harriett Abrams (born c. 1758- died 8 March 1821, Torquay) was an English soprano and composer. Particularly praised for her performances in the repertoire of George Friderich Handel, Abrams enjoyed a successful concert career in London during the 1780s. Music historian Charles Burney praised the sweetness of her voice and her tasteful musical interpretations…Abrams composed several songs, two of which, “The Orphan’s Prayer” and “Crazy Jane”, became very popular…A collection of songs published in 1803 was dedicated by Harriett to Queen Charlotte.

Note the sealing-wax blob on the manuscript. Presumably this is the cover letter to that collection.




Posted on January 22, 2013 at 21:46, filed under dispatches from the rare book room. | Bookmark the permalink. | RSS feed for this post. Both comments and trackbacks are currently closed.