Keyboard Instruments: Virginals, harpsichords and organs in paintings of the 16th and 17th centuries

Paintings featuring harpsichords, virginals and organs offer us a glimpse of gorgeous interiors, amorous scenes and finely‐dressed ladies ‐ and the occasional young man too ‐ at the keyboard. Keyboard instruments can also be the key to decoding an allegory, myth or hidden message in a painting. This exhibition catalogue showcases a collection of such paintings and also includes painted harpsichord and virginal lids as well as original instruments. Loans from the National Gallery in London, the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, the Suermondt‐Ludwigmuseum in Aachen and many other museums and collectors offer a delight for eyes and ears.

Featured artists include Frans Floris, Jacob Jordaens, Maerten de Vos, the Francken family, Jan Miense Molenaer, Jan Steen, Gerard Dou, Gabriël Metsu en Jacob Ochtervelt.