Polygonal Virginal converted to a Tangent Piano
Franciscus Bonafinis Italian
Not on view
Technical description: Pentagonal cypress inner case with softwood bottom, cypress soundboard with fine parchment-backed cypress-veneer rose, nameboard cut down slightly and possibly not original (lap-joint in center), moldings and name board studded with ivory buttons, panel above nameboard decorated with applied ornaments (many missing) of later origin; rectangular lidded outer case (probably later) painted red with ornamental scrollwork, festooned masks, birds and animals, having lidded triangular compartments along back and right side, with a framed fabric pentagonal panel (later) serving as dust cover; compass: c/e-a3 (no g#3), assumed pitch 4' (41 keys); bone naturals, ebony accidentals, black and white ivory studs at rear ends of key covers; jack rail missing but brackets present; oblong unpierced tuning pins; virginal jacks removed and replaced with leather-topped "tangents" or free jacks that strike and rebound from strings; 8 additional tangents found in an outer case compartment; 4 of these, of different wood than the others, are unleathered and have tiny leather dampers supported by brass wire.
This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.
This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.
