Jan Vermeer, Lady standing at a virginal, National Gallery, London

Written sources, including contemporary lexicon articles, contemporary paintings - including those on instruments - and inventories provide the secure knowledge that harpsichords were preferably used by ladies and also inherited to them and were gladly given away on the occasion of weddings - as an expression of best wishes for harmony in marriage. Additional information is provided by my dissertation entitled: The ladies instrument. Painted harpsichords of centuries, Bamberg 1996.