Harpsichord by Querci, P
Maker:
Querci, P
Number of manuals:
one
Year:
1613
Museum:
National Museum of American History
Date Range
1600-1650
Current Location:
North America
Material:
Rosewood, Ebony, Cypress
Painter:
Pedals:
Catalogue Number:
BMO-1449
Origin:
Italy
Type:
Harpsichord
This instrument was made by Pasquino Querci in Florence, Italy, in 1613. It is a single manual harpsichord with a compass of C/E - f3, and a disposition of 2 x 8’, with 2 wooden levers at the left side of the soundboard for moving slides. The soundboard is made of cypress and features a recessed rose made of gilt parchment. This harpsichord has ebony naturals and ivory topped accidentals. The nameboard, a later addition, is inscribed: “PASQUINO.QUERCI.FIORENTINO.FECIT.1613. IN CIJMBALIS.BENE.SONANTIBUS.LAUDATE” and "DOMINE.AD.SEMPER.AMEN.” (with resounding cymbals Sonata for all times Amen, Praise the Lord!)
The separable outer case is painted black with gold painted eagles and has panels of painted stylized floral designs around the sides. The top and sliding cover at the front of the keyboard are painted with bold floral designs in gold. The inside of the lid is painted with a landscape and figures. The stand is ornately carved and painted black and gold. Research indicates that the interior of the lid is painted in a Northern Italian style in the mid-17th century.
Other examples of Querci instruments are an octave spinet with a Querci inscription in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, and a single manual harpsichord, previously attributed to Girolamo Zenti, in the Museum für Musikinstrumente der Universität Leipzig.
Credit: Smithsonian