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Polygonal Virginal converted to a Tangent Piano

1585 or 1587; converted in 1717
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.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Polygonal Virginal converted to a Tangent Piano
  • Maker: Franciscus Bonafinis
  • Date: 1585 or 1587; converted in 1717
  • Geography: Italy
  • Culture: Italian
  • Medium: Cypress, ebony, ivory, various materials
  • Dimensions: Case length: 31.7 cm
  • Classification: Chordophone-Zither
  • Credit Line: The Crosby Brown Collection of Musical Instruments, 1889
  • Object Number: 89.4.2765
  • Curatorial Department: Musical Instruments

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