Manuscript 11560 of the National Library

The miniature, inserted in a rich psalter, depicts a positive organ being carried by a sumptuously dressed figure, in the act of hanging it on a tree, in reference to the psalm verse “… in salicibus suspendimus organa nostra.” The instrument presents an imposing wind chest supporting two rows of 10 conical pipes: the front row, with visible mouths, is lower than the back row. The outermost pipes are unusually tall and show no evident supports. The manual comprises eight rounded keys. No bellows is visible. The proportions relative to the figures indicate a relatively light and portable instrument, while the chromatic rendering (blue pipes and golden wind chest with red border) underlines the symbolic and decorative value of the image more than technical accuracy.