Spinet-regal

The idea behind this instrument, which combines a spinettino and regal, is unique and surprising. When closed, it looks like a square coffer, richly embellished with inlays of various types of wood. These inlays form game boards for nine-men’s-morris, chess and backgammon. When the keyboard cover is removed, the object reveals its other nature. On the left side is a regal - an organ instrument with reed pipes. The game board is split in two and forms the cover for the bellows. Opening the cover on the right reveals a spinettino at two-foot pitch. When the lid is removed, the following inscription becomes visible: »Anthonius Meidting. Augustanus. Fecit. Anno domini 1587. Mensae Decembrii«. The motto of Ferdinand I, »Sic transit Gloria mundi«, is written on the jackrail of the spinet. This motto may refer either to the transient nature of earthly life or to the ‘dying away’ of each note in music. (rh)