Estudo e intervenção de um manicórdio italiano (sécs. XVIII-XX), do Museu Nacional da Música

Abstract

The object of study in this report is a manichordium. It is a small-sized clavichord that belongs to the family of string instruments, which played a crucial role in musical development during the Renaissance and Baroque periods, especially in convent settings. The instrument, currently part of the collection at the National Museum of Music, features a rectangular case made mostly of wood, metals, paper, textiles, and leather. It consists of 26 keys covered with bone and ebony, and iron strings. The inside of the lid is fully lined with painted paper adorned with floral motifs, and, Pope Benedict XIV’s central coat of arms. Advanced laboratory analysis techniques were used to better understand the composition and condition of the constituent materials: optical microscopy (OM) for stratigraphy analysis, energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (EDXRF) for analysis of metal alloys, and Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy (µS-FTIR) for analysis of binders and adhesives. The historical, material, and technical study aimed to contextualize and understand the production techniques involved in making the instrument. The conservation and restoration intervention, carried out at the José de Figueiredo Laboratory, aimed to ensure the physical and chemical stability of the entire object. Upon completion of the restoration, the manichordium, which will not be played, will be integrated into the new exhibition route of the National Museum of Music at the National Palace of Mafra.

Date of Award	12 Sept 2024
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Gonçalo Vasconcelos e Sousa (Supervisor) & Margarida Cavaco (Co-Supervisor)