Triangular Octave Spinet

Attributed to Girolamo Zenti Italian
before 1668
Not on view
This is surviving spinettina (octave spinet) removed from its outer case. The soundboard is of spruce, with a case of ebony and keys of ivory and ebony. The lowest key of this tiny instrument sounds G above middle C. Intended as a plaything for a nobleman, this exquisite spinettina once belonged to Grand Duke Ferdinando de' Medici. In an inventory of 1700 it is described as being played while resting on the stomach, perhaps while the player lay in bed.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Triangular Octave Spinet
  • Maker: Attributed to Girolamo Zenti (Viterbo 1609-11?–1666/7 Paris)
  • Date: before 1668
  • Geography: Rome, Italy
  • Culture: Italian
  • Medium: Wood and various materials
  • Dimensions: Length parallel to keyboard 45.1 cm
    Width perpendicular to keyboard 23.1 cm
    D. 6.6 cm
  • Classification: Chordophone-Zither-plucked-spinet
  • Credit Line: The Crosby Brown Collection of Musical Instruments, 1889
  • Object Number: 89.4.1227
  • Curatorial Department: Musical Instruments

More Artwork

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.