Hermann Hauser | Guitar | The Metropolitan Museum of Art

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Guitar

Maker: Hermann Hauser (German, Munich 1882–1952 Reisbach)

Date: 1937

Geography: Munich, Germany

Medium: Spruce, rosewood, mahogany

Dimensions: Total L. 97.7 cm (38 7/16); Body length: 48.5 cm (19-1/16 in.); Neck length: 32.5 cm(12-13/16 in.); Head length: 16.7 cm (6-9/16 in.); Upper bouts: 28.2 cm (11-1/16 in.) Middle bouts: 23.9 cm (9-7/16 in.) Lower bouts: 37 cm (14-9/16 in.); Depth at tail: 9.8 cm (3-7/8 in.)

Classification: Chordophone-Lute-plucked-fretted

Credit Line: Gift of Emilita Segovia, Marquessa of Salobreña, 1986

Accession Number: 1986.353.1

On view in Gallery 684

Label Object Information Related Objects Online Resources Video Audio

Based closely on Spanish models, this guitar replaced the Ramírez guitar (1986.353.2) as Andrés Segovia's principal concert instrument in 1937. He used it in concerts and for recording until 1962. It is said that Hauser brought instruments to Segovia for twelve successive years but that none pleased the virtuoso until he tried this one. The two-piece back and sides are of Brazilian rosewood, the two-piece top is of spruce.

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Marking: 1) (labelled) Hermann/Hauser/A.D.Guitarren/München/ Mullerstr-8. (printed); 2) 1937/H. Hauser (handwritten); 3) also a pencilled French inscription dated; 4. II.1937 recording guitar's manufacture for Andres Segovia
References

Ed. James R. Houghton. Philippe de Montebello and The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1977-2008. The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Metropolitan Museum of Art. New York, 2009, pg. 80-81, fig. 94, ill.