Clavicytherium

Unknown

mid-18th century · Wood, various materials · Musical Instruments

Clavicytheria, or upright harpsichords, were made as early as the 15th century, but tall examples such as this date from the late Baroque era. Technical description: Case sides curved upward to arch at top, the side curves filled by carved, gilt wings; front enclosed by 2 pair of side-hinged doors, the upper pair wingshaped, the lower (below a horizontal batten) rectangular, all painted within with flowers, the upper doors fastened by a long pivoted lever and lower by latch and lock, a separate angled cover encloses keyboard, FF-f3, with ebony naturals, bone slips over accidental blocks, natural fronts stained and thrice notched, front 8' quilled, back 8' leathered, both operated by handstops at left of nut, nut and bridge irrationally curved on treble side of center, pinblock and soundboard painted with floral designs, painted and gilt wood rosette applied within floral wreath, jack rail also bears floral garland, jack guides leathered, carved brackets flank keyboard, exterior painted dark green with gilt moldings around door panels; instrument rests on separate carved stand with cabriole legs terminating in hoofs, the stand reinforced by iron straps; 7 soundboard ribs, 3 back braces, back of soundboard heavily cleated, soundboard material of poor quality, workmanship casual throughout.

Artist

Unknown

Date

mid-18th century

Medium

Wood, various materials

Culture

probably German

Department

Musical Instruments

Credit line

Gift of Helen C. Lanier, 1981