Design for the Decoration of a Harpsichord 1635 - 1690

This undated drawing is a design for a harpsichord decoration, rendered in pen and brown ink, with green wash. The image presents a detailed ornamental scheme, with floral motifs and cherubic figures, very much typical of baroque sensibilities. The question is: how would this translate into three dimensions? The harpsichord cabinet would likely have been crafted from wood, with the design possibly realized through carving or painted decoration. Consider the labor involved in such intricate work, requiring skilled artisans to transform the two-dimensional drawing into a tangible, ornate musical instrument. The harpsichord itself was a symbol of wealth and refinement, often found in aristocratic settings. This design reflects the values of a society that prized elaborate craftsmanship and luxurious display. It prompts us to think about the many hands involved in its making, and the social context in which such objects were created and consumed.