Virginal

Virginal, box case of walnut, the top with three hinged section. Four slender turned pine legs subsequently added. Front side hooked and removable. Four octave keyboard, the keys of satinwood with subsidiary keys inlaid chequered ebony and ivory stringing. Gilt paper front surface with black and white painted wood surround. Octagonal centre plate inscribed Mary Byard. Inside lid painted landscape scene - castle on hill, courting couple left, 'Opheus Charming the Animals' - a lute player surrounded by unicorn, lion; right - figure on whale. Thomas White fecit, 1653. A virginal - presumably this one - dated 1653 by Thomas White, inscribed 'Mary Bayard [sic]' was exhibited at the South Kensington Museum (now the V & A) in 1872.