Edward Riley, Sr.
Flute

CultureAmerican
Titles
  • Flute
Datec. 1819–1831
Made inNew York , New York, United States
MediumBoxwood, silver, ivory, and leather
DimensionsFlute: 26 5/8 × 1 1/2 in. (67.6 × 3.8 cm)
Box: 2 1/4 × 13 1/8 × 5 3/4 in. (5.7 × 33.4 × 14.6 cm)
Credit LineThe Bayou Bend Collection, museum purchase funded by the Bayou Bend Docent Class of 2002
Object numberB.2005.1.A-.D
Current Location
Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens
Music Room
On view

Explore Further

Department
Bayou Bend
Description

Edward Riley, Sr., an English craftsman who arrived in New York City about 1806, established a successful career as a maker and retailer of musical instruments, as well as a publisher of sheet music. This flute, an eight-keyed instrument, is a full professional model, which represents the most sophisticated example at the time. Regrettably, there is no record for whom this flute was made; however, it seems likely that it was intended for a professional musician. It came down through the years with all of its original components, even its leather keypads, intact. Accompanying the flute is its original, fitted mahogany case.

The flute is contemporary in date with the museum’s Gibson and David square piano (B.57.4). In the early 19th century, the flute, more so than any other instrument, was typically the one chosen to accompany the piano in a duet.


Provenance[Mark Leon, Brookside, New Jersey]; purchased by MFAH, 2005.
Inscriptions, Signatures and Marks
Stamped on the front: E. RILEY / 29 CHATHAM ST / N-YORK / E.RILEY / 29 CHATHAM ST / PATENT
Stamped on the front: E. RILEY / 29 CHATHAM ST / N-YORK
Stamped twice on the front: E. RILEY / 29 CHATHAM ST / N-YORK

Cataloguing data may change with further research.

If you have questions about this work of art or the MFAH Online Collection please contact us.

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