Virginal
previously catalogued as by Baffo
Category
Musical instruments, devices and recordings
Date
1600 - 1620
Materials
ebony, cypress and ivory
Order this imageCollection
Fenton House, London
NT 1448910
Summary
Virginals, attributed to Vincentius Pratensis, Prato, c. 1610. A pentagonal virginals with a black- and gold-painted case resting on a 20th century turned stand. The instrument attributed to Vincentius Pratensis of Prato near Florence, Italy, c1610, the stand by Arnold Dolmetsch. A 20th century lidded outer case is associated with the instrument, but is not used, the instrument instead displayed with a protective clear Perspex cover. A modern black-painted music desk is displayed and used with the instrument. The soundboard inset with a decorative wood and parchment rose. Elements of the original keyboard evidently reconfigured, and the original C/E short octave – f3 keyboard compass altered to give a chromatic compass from C (less C#) – d3. The instrument was restored in 1791 according to the following note scratched onto the soundboard: '... della spinetta ... 1791'.
Provenance
Virginals, attributed to Vincentius Pratensis, c. 1610, in Prato, Italy. 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
"...della spinetta...1791"
Makers and roles
previously catalogued as by Baffo , musical instrument maker