Virginal
Virginal (Musical Instrument), 1600-1638Virginals, or the virginal, is a keyboard instrument – a smaller and simpler form of harpsicord. Owning a virginal for entertainment at home was a sign of leisured social status. At this date, most virginals did not have a stand, but would be put on a table for use. This virginal was made in Antwerp and represents the kind of relatively plain imported examples that might be owned by select members of the middling sort. It is painted with flowers but is otherwise quite modestly decorated compared to those owned by elite members of society. It speaks to the entertainment function of the space and the sounds that would fill it.
Here’s what this kind of instrument sounds like: youtube.com/watch?v=-2ALV6XlVVI
This object appears in our memory parlour and web tour. Can you find it?
| Object Type | Musical Instrument |
| Year | 1600-1638 |
| Material | Wood and paint |
| Owned By | MIM 2925 Reproduced Courtesy of Musical Instruments Museum online |
| Keywords | playing; producing; craftsmanship; socialising; importing; leisure; technology; music; paint; instrument |
| Image Credit | Virginal (1600-38); MIM 2925, Reproduced Reproduced Courtesy of Musical Instruments Museum online. |