Triangular Octave Spinet

Girolamo Zenti

before 1668 · Wood and various materials · Musical Instruments

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.

Artist

Girolamo Zenti

Date

before 1668

Medium

Wood and various materials

Culture

Italian

Department

Musical Instruments

Credit line

The Crosby Brown Collection of Musical Instruments, 1889