Spinet, 1540, Italian.
The musician who commissioned this instrument was Eleanora della Rovere (daughter of Isabella d'Este), who grew up in a cultivated court where both religious and secular music would have been heard and performed.
The musician who commissioned this instrument was Eleanora della Rovere (daughter of Isabella d'Este), who grew up in a cultivated court where both religious and secular music would have been heard and performed.
Her commission of this instrument and the price paid are recorded inside the case ("Ordered and made for Her Excellency the Duchess of Urbino in the year of our Salvation 1540 and paid 250 roman scudi."), but the name of the maker is not known.
Over the keys is a line of poetry meant for the musician's eyes: "I'm rich in gold and rich in tone; if you lack virtue, leave me alone."
(Source: MET)
(Source: MET)
