Clavicytherium by William Gibb

Clavicytherium by William Gibb

C. 1921

Photomechanical Offset Lithography

The towering, vertical configuration of an early 16th-century clavicytherium, which is a rare type of upright harpsichord, is famously documented here in an 1888 color lithograph. Rendered by artist William Gibb as Plate No. VI, the illustration dramatically frames the instrument's open double doors to reveal its complex interior. The left panel features a full-length painted figure of a classical or biblical musician, while the soundboard cavity on the right exposes a vertically strung soundbox decorated with scenic landscapes and a single keyboard manual below. The entire triangular upper body rests securely on an independent, three-arched wooden console table heavily accented with vibrant floral scrollwork and painted fruit swags.

This plate was originally produced for the landmark publication Musical Instruments, Historic, Rare and Unique, written by musicologist Alfred James Hipkins. During the late nineteenth century, a growing European fascination with ethnomusicology and antiquarianism fueled a desire to visually preserve rare cultural artifacts before they disappeared. Gibb became highly celebrated for his exceptional ability to translate the complex textures of historic objects into print media.

Dimensions: H 12”x 9”W

Condition: In very good condition