Virginal
Marcus Siculus
Category
Musical instruments, devices and recordings
Date
1540
Materials
cypress, boxwood, ebony and ivory
Measurements
185 mm (Height)
Place of origin
Italy
Order this imageCollection
Fenton House, London
NT 1448908
Caption
This is the oldest signed and dated instrument in the Benton Fletcher collection of early keyboard instruments. Even though we know so little of his life, we do know that Siculus took such pride in his work that even the unseen braces inside were found to be carved in the shape of a heart.
Summary
Virginals by Marcus Siculus, Italy, 1540. A pentagonal virginals inscribed on the jack rail Marcus Siculus Faciebat MDXXX (1540), possibly built in Palermo, Sicily, Italy. No period outer lidded case or stand surviving, but the instrument is displayed on a 20th century oak side table together with a fitted clear Perspex protective cover. The case of cypress with soundboard inset with a decorative wood and parchment rose. The keyboard compass C/E short octave – f '''.
Provenance
Virginals by Marcus Siculus, 1540. Acquired by Major George Henry Benton Fletcher (1866-1944) between 1930 and 1937, and described in the Old Devonshire House catalogue 1938 and in Amateur Musician 1939. Transferred to the National Trust in February 1938.
Marks and inscriptions
MARCUS SICULUS FACIEBAT MDXXXX
Makers and roles
Marcus Siculus, musical instrument maker