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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

More Artwork
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Harpsichord, Girolamo Zenti Italian, Cypress, boxwood, ebony, brass, leather, Italian
Harpsichord
Girolamo Zenti
1666
Harpsichord, Michele Todini , designer Italian, Wood, gilt, ebony, ivory, parchment, Italian (Roman)
Harpsichord
Multiple artists/makers
ca. 1670
Archlute, David Tecchler Austrian, active Italy, Spruce, ebony, ivory, tortoiseshell, mother-of-pearl, Italian
Archlute
David Tecchler
ca. 1725
Guitar, Giacomo (Jacob) Ertel German, Spruce, ebony, fruitwood, bone, ivory, mother-of-pearl, parchment, Italian
Guitar
Giacomo (Jacob) Ertel
late 17th century
Musical Clock with Spinet and Organ, Veit Langenbucher German, Ebony, gliding, brass, silver gilt, gilt brass, iron, various wood and metals, wire, parchment and leather, German
Musical Clock with Spinet and Organ
Veit Langenbucher
Samuel Bidermann
ca. 1625

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