Who painted Deksel van een klavecimbel?

Deksel van een klavecimbel was painted by Philip Schey in 1626.

Where can I see Deksel van een klavecimbel?

Deksel van een klavecimbel is held by Rijksmuseum.

What movement is Deksel van een klavecimbel?

Deksel van een klavecimbel is associated with Dutch Golden Age.

Artwork

Deksel van een klavecimbel

Philip Schey , 1626

Deksel van een klavecimbel is an unspecified painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Philip Schey. It dates from 1626 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

Overview

Deksel van een klavecimbel is a painted still‑life executed in 1626 by the Dutch artist Philip Schey. The work forms part of the Rijksmuseum’s collection in Amsterdam, where it is displayed among other 17th‑century Dutch paintings.

Subject & Meaning

The composition depicts the lid of a harpsichord, rendered with careful attention to the instrument’s decorative panels and surrounding objects. By focusing on a musical instrument, the painting reflects the period’s interest in domestic culture and the visual celebration of music as a refined pastime.

Technique & Style

Schey employs a restrained palette of muted greens, browns and ochres, characteristic of early Dutch still‑life painting. Fine brushwork conveys the texture of wood grain and the subtle sheen of lacquer, while the controlled lighting creates a modest three‑dimensional effect without dramatic chiaroscuro.

History & Provenance

Created in the early seventeenth century, the painting entered the Rijksmuseum’s holdings through acquisition in the 20th century, though specific details of its earlier ownership remain undocumented in public records.

Context

During the 1620s, Dutch artists increasingly explored still‑life subjects that highlighted everyday objects, aligning with a broader cultural emphasis on material prosperity and the moral symbolism of music and craftsmanship.