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Guitar-shaped violin
about 1820
Object Place: Paris, France
Medium/Technique
Maple, spruce, ivory, ebony
Dimensions
Length 59 cm, width 21 cm (Length 23 1/4 in., width 8 1/4 in.)
Credit Line
Samuel Putnam Avery Fund
Accession Number2000.644
CollectionsMusical Instruments
ClassificationsMusical instruments – Chordophones
DescriptionOne-piece back and ribs of maple. Ribs made of one continuous piece, separated at bottom by ebony strip. Two-piece belly of fine-grain spruce. Edges of belly, back, and banana-shaped soundholes bound with ivory and ebony. Back and belly flush with ribs. Neck and pegbox of maple, with reverse scroll. Tuning pegs of rosewood (?). Fingerboard, heel cap, and end button of ebony. Guitar-type string-fastener of ebony with four pins and saddle of ivory glued to belly. Bridge (later) of maple. Yellow-brown varnish. Waist decorated on both sides with polychrome insects. Internal construction: Regular-type liners. Bass bar in regular position.
ProvenanceBefore 2000, a collector, West Coast of the United States; by 2000, sold by collector to Christie's New York; 2000, sold by Christie's to the MFA. (Accession Date: June 21, 2000)
Buona Notte Amato Bene (Andantino & 2 Variations), about 1820–70
Variations composed by Louis Drouet
Performed by Brian Clague