Virginal
Stephanus Mutinensis
Category
Musical instruments, devices and recordings
Date
1537
Materials
Walnut and ivory
Measurements
17 x 100 x 39 cm
Order this imageCollection
Westwood Manor, Wiltshire
NT 222287
Summary
Virginal in parquetry case. § The instrument has a walnut case of pentagonal form decorated with floral arabesques with stylised leaves and flowers of ivory, and heraldic shields, all being enclosed by stringing line borders. Above the keyboard in inked letters is STEPHANUS NUTINENSIS 1537, the case closing with iron hinges and having a lock and hasp. § The term virginal, first noted here c1460 (but earlier in France and Germany) was used generically for all types of plucked keyboard instruments until the mid 17th Century when differentiation was made more firmly between Virginal Spinet and Harpsichord according to case shape, virginals being rectangular or similar with the strings parallel to the keyboard. Such cases are associated with the Clavichord, Virginals, initially being called 'Clavicordium Virginale' through their popularity in convents and with ladies. This term was certainly in use in Henry VIIIs reign.
Provenance
E.G. Lister collection
Marks and inscriptions
STEPHANUS NUTINENSIS 1537
Makers and roles
Stephanus Mutinensis