Virginal by Perius, V

Alongside the signature on the same key lever (G) appears the inscription "Core d'amore che mi ai robato tu" ("Heart full of love, which you have stolen from me"). The instrument is housed in a case painted with floral garlands and fitted with a double lid. A pincushion is attached to the outer lid; the inner side, lined with red silk, features a mirror framed by elegant gilded wood carvings, bearing the telling inscription "MENTISCE" ("he lies"). On the opposite side—the outer face of the second lid—a miniature portrait of a lady, painted on parchment and signed "NAT" (Natalia?), is displayed under glass, flanked by two gilded, carved putti. Above the lady's portrait is the inscription: "NON BENE DA VN SOLO" ("No happiness from one alone"). The inner side of the lid is adorned with a charming allegorical painting that alludes to the box's dual purpose: set within a forest landscape, it depicts Apollo playing the violin alongside a girl engaged in embroidery, upon whom the goddess Athena is placing a wreath.

Credit: Uni Leipzig