Who created "Polygonal Virginal converted to a Tangent Piano"?

Polygonal Virginal converted to a Tangent Piano was created by Franciscus Bonafinis in 1585 or 1587; converted in 1717.

What medium is "Polygonal Virginal converted to a Tangent Piano"?

Polygonal Virginal converted to a Tangent Piano is Cypress, ebony, ivory, various materials.

Is "Polygonal Virginal converted to a Tangent Piano" in the public domain?

Yes, Polygonal Virginal converted to a Tangent Piano is in the public domain and available for free download under CC0 license.

Polygonal Virginal converted to a Tangent Piano

Q: When was "Polygonal Virginal converted to a Tangent Piano" created?

This artwork was created 1585 or 1587; converted in 1717.

Franciscus Bonafinis

1585 or 1587; converted in 1717

Medium

Cypress, ebony, ivory, various materials

Dimensions

Case length: 31.7 cm

Classification

Chordophone-Zither

Culture

Italian

Department

Musical Instruments

Museum

Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY

Credit

The Crosby Brown Collection of Musical Instruments, 1889

Accession Number

89.4.2765

Art Historical Context

This remarkable instrument began life as a polygonal virginal crafted by the Italian maker Franciscus Bonafinis around 1585–1587. Virginals were popular household keyboard instruments during the Renaissance, valued for their compact size and bright tone. In 1717, the instrument was converted into a tangent piano, an early form of struck-string keyboard that foreshadowed the modern piano. Such modifications reflect changing musical tastes as composers sought greater dynamic expression. Measuring just 31.7 cm in length, this exceptionally small example would have suited intimate domestic settin...

Polygonal Virginal converted to a Tangent Piano

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