Queen Elizabeth's Virginal by William Gibb

Queen Elizabeth's Virginal by William Gibb

C. 1888

Chromolithograph

The lavish ornamentation of an Italian keyboard instrument from circa 1570, traditionally known as "Queen Elizabeth's Virginal," is captured here in a 19th-century color lithograph. Hand-illustrated by artist William Gibband published as Plate No. VIII by Adam and Charles Black in 1888, the print documents the object from a straightforward frontal view. The composition highlights the horizontal case draped in intricate gold leaf arabesques, floral scrollwork, and deep crimson borders. Elevated on an elaborate wooden stand built from multiple turned pillars, the illustration emphasizes the closed, stepped multi-tiered profile of the lid juxtaposed with the vibrant, decorated keybed panels housing the single manual below.

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