Harpsichord, Venice, late 16th century, cypress, fir, walnut, beech, ebony, ivory, leather. Provenance: purchase - Natale Gallini collection (1961-1963). (inv. n. ST. MUS. n. 600)

This harpsichord, of excellent workmanship and compromised only in part by modifications it underwent in the centuries following its construction, bears witness to the level of Venetian craftsmanship of the late 1500s. The signature of the presumed maker of the instrument, Vito Trasuntino, is not convincing either in terms of semblance or position: it appears on the inlaid cross bar, which was added at a later date.  

The instrument is housed in an outer casing lined with embossed leather painted with swirls of tendrils in gold and black on a red background.