314.122-6-8 True board zithers with resonator box (box zithers) sounded by plectrum, with keyboard

Polygonal virginals. Keyboard compass 50 notes, C/E-f''' short octave. A cypress soundboard with carved fretwork rosette, ivory and ebony keys faced with horn and ivory stringing, ivory studs on top moulding. Planed, joined and carved cypress case. Keywell and cheek pieces carved. True inner-outer case construction. Outer case missing.
V&A object number: 156-1869.

Rossi, recognized in his own time as an innovator, is said to have produced instruments of ‘uncommon beauty and excellence’. Lightly-built from cypress, this virginals would originally have rested within a more robust decorative outer case. It also possibly formed part of a claviorganum, an instrument that combined an organ and a plucked keyboard instrument.

object
MUSEUM NUMBER
L2013.37.12
PLACE
MEASUREMENTS
3-octave span (Stichmass): 478 mm; c2: 338 mm; overall: 1525 mm x 510 mm x 200 mm 11 kg
MATERIAL/TECHNIQUE
wood; ivory; ebony; horn
CATEGORY
Exhibitions Loans
LOCATION
SHAREABLE LINK

Collection Information

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