Object 2
Virginal belonging to the Basel merchant Andreas Ryff (1550–1603)
The Flemish origin of the instrument, which was probably called "spinet" by contemporaries in Basel, can be deduced from its construction and painting, the date from the inscription on the jumper ("SIC TRANSIT GLORIA MUNDI 1572").
The Basel businessman Andreas Ryff (1550-1603) had given the instrument to his bride as a wedding present, which is indicated not only by the painted apples but also by the date 1574 on the lid of the case to the left of the keyboard, his wedding year.
Inside the lid is a depiction of Orpheus, evoking the power of music. Unusually, above the keyboard, the dramatic end of this story is told, showing there the loss of his beloved Eurydice, who must return to the underworld.
Object Description
Maker unknown Flanders, 1572, datedInscriptions:'SIC TRANSIT GLORIA MUND!' 1572'(Painting, jack rail); 1574 [= A. Ryff's wedding year] (Painting, lid of the case, left)Coat of arms of the Ryff family and the lettersL. H. F • H. B. T (painting, lid, left, with the year 1574)Poplar wood, painted, outside green, inside lid andFront flap with scenes from the Orpheus story ( case); spruce, partially painted (sound board); brass (strings C/E -E); steel (strings F -a2)Range C/E - a2 (wi thout G2 sharp) (41 keys, short bass octave); an 8'-register. Fifth Instrument, .i.e. the keys deviate from the sounding pitch. When the key for c1 is depressed, it produces the note g1.H. 1 79 mm; B. 925 mm; T. 330 mm (case); three-octave span 485 mm; octave span 162 mm Donation Benedikt Vischer (-Koechlin)/-Staehelin's heirsInv. 1990.426.
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