Clavicytheria, or upright harpsichords, were made as early as the 15th century, but tall examples such as this date from the late Baroque era. Having 2 sets of doors that conceal the strings, the case appears ungainly when open, but when closed it has a graceful outline embellished by gilded &quot;wings&quot; and stops control 2 sets of strings. The mechanism has been altered and the painted soundboard is a replacement; originally the instrument may have been an upright piano.