Bentside Spinet 1695 - 1705

This Bentside Spinet was made by Thomas Hitchcock, an English instrument maker active in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Made of wood, the spinet’s case, keys, and stand showcase the material's versatility and the craftsmanship required to construct such a delicate piece. The process of bending wood to create the instrument's curved side, or "bentside," demanded skilled woodworking. This would have involved steaming and shaping techniques, alongside precise joinery to ensure structural integrity and acoustic resonance. The keys, likely made of contrasting woods such as ebony and ivory, exhibit the era's aesthetic preferences and access to global resources. Hitchcock's expertise highlights the cultural significance placed on music and instrument making in the early 1700s. Looking at the spinet, we can see the intersection of fine art, design, and craft. This challenges traditional distinctions between these disciplines, emphasizing the value of both artistic expression and skillful production.