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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

Object Information
  • 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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