This object consists of 5 parts, some of which may be located elsewhere. Image of. Exit License this image To license this image or for more information please contact our Licensing team. By downloading this image you agree that you will not use it commercially, as defined in our full terms and conditions. You can use the image for: Non-commercial research and private study Teaching and instruction Non-commercial publishing up to A5-size, and in print runs of up to copies Non-commercial online use, up to pixels, and for up to 5 years Please indicate that you accept all terms to proceed I agree to the full terms and conditions.
Other uses, including exhibition catalogue and display, broadcast, advertising, book jackets and commercial packaging, are covered by our commercial terms. Please contact our Licensing team for more information. Download image Download image JPG. Alternatively search more than 1. Not on display. Augsburg made. In the s playing keyboard instruments well was considered a princely virtue, as was the collecting of outstanding curiosities. Cabinets, used for storing smaller curiosities, were made in large numbers in Augsburg Germany at this time, and the most prestigious examples were decorated in the same way as this instrument.
Both the base and lid of this octave virginals are fitted with ingeniously hidden compartments, a speciality of Augsburg cabinetmakers. This instrument could be regarded as an exquisite toy, and more suitable for a prince than a professional musician. Object details Category Musical Instruments. Octave virginals. This object consists of 5 parts. Ebony veneer, applied silver ornament, enamel medallions and spruce soundboard.
German, Augsburg, The case is veneered in ebony, decorated with silver ornament in the form of strapwork surrounding small circular and oval medallions variously embellished with etching, engraving and enamelling. The underside is fitted with a mirror. Both the lid and the plinth of the virginals contain hidden compartments for writing materials.
The virginals' lid is fitted with a sliding slat at the top, which conceals a hidden compartment, and its plinth contains a drawer with a secret catch. The soundboard is spruce and contains a rose of cut-out paper. On the inner side of the top there are three hexagonal windows decorated by the allegorical figures of four senses: hearing, taste, touch and sight. On opening the small openings on the silver gilded plaques, one can see biblical scenes.
