Queen Elizabeth's Virginal by William Gibb

Queen Elizabeth's Virginal by William Gibb

C. 1888

Chromolithograph

Fusing masterful artistic illustration with meticulous historic documentation, this rich late nineteenth-century print captures Queen Elizabeth's Virginal: an exceptionally rare sixteenth-century Italian keyboard instrument elevated on an integrated five-pillared wooden stand, showcasing its highly decorative lid panels adorned with intricate gold arabesque scrollwork, gold-leaf borders, and painted heraldic details. Formed by the celebrated Scottish artist and master illustrator William Gibb, this artwork was printed as a vibrant chromolithograph and published in 1888. The composition showcases an extraordinary level of precision, capturing the dark, weathered surface of the outer casing, the delicate arrangement of the keys, and the complex gilding of the soundboard case against a uniform neutral backdrop. This specific plate provides an accurate historical record of this legendary royal instrument, documenting its unique physical structure and ornamental craftsmanship during the late nineteenth century. 

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 11 ¾” x 16”W

Condition: slight smudges on bottom edge