Mute Violin

Charles Francis Albert, Sr. American, born Germany

ca. 1886

Not on view

Mute violins have been used as practice instruments and for special acoustical effect since the seventeenth century. Leopold Mozart used the term "Brettgeige," or "board violin," to describe a mute violin consisting of a curved board without a soundbox. Patented in 1886, this unusually shaped mute violin has a body made entirely of maple, a wood that does not vibrate freely. The bridge height can be adjusted by two pegs located on either side of the body.

Artwork Details

Overview

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Provenance

Title: Mute Violin
Maker: Charles Francis Albert, Sr. (1842–1901)
Date: ca. 1886
Geography: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Culture: American
Medium: Maple, ebony, brass, various other materials
Dimensions: L. of body 35.7-35.9 cm (14-1/16 - 14-1/8 in); L. Overall 60.8 cm (23-15/16 in); Max. Width 19.2 cm (7-9/16 in) lower bouts
Classification: Chordophone-Lute-bowed-unfretted
Credit Line: Gift of Robert and Diane Moss, 1998
Object Number: 1998.397
Curatorial Department: Musical Instruments

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