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General Note

"The oldest French harpsichord in the world is among the many unusual objects of decorative art on display in the Ringling Museum of Art, Sarasota, Florida. Made in 1652 by Claude Jacquet of Paris, it is the oldest by 27 years of the 40 to 50 known antique French instruments in existence."

Biographical Note

The 1980 Legislature designated the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art at Sarasota as the "official art museum of the state." The museum was bequeathed to the State by John Ringling, of circus fame, and has been operated since 1946 by board of Trustees appointed by the Governor. The trustees are authorized to loan paintings and other objects of art to the Governor's mansion and to schools, libraries and other public buildings where such loans are in the interest of the public.