Double Virginal 1550 - 1625

Hans Ruckers the Elder, a renowned Flemish maker of virginals, crafted this "Double Virginal" between 1550 and 1625. The instrument features two keyboards, allowing for a wider range of musical expression. The lid of the virginal is painted with a scene of a bustling garden, perhaps referencing the social settings where this instrument would have been played. The inscription “Musica Dulce Laborum Levamon” (Music is the sweet relief of labor) reveals the instrument's significance as a source of entertainment and respite. This instrument, now housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, stands as a testament to the craftsmanship and artistry of the Renaissance era.