Guitar
An instrument by Joachim Tielke is immediately identifiable from his use of elaborate decorative inlay and marquetry, as seen here on the back of the neck. Tielke’s instruments were highly desirable objects, sought after by the highest levels of society. This instrument, despite its ornamentation, is decidedly one of Tielke’s lesser decorated objects. Although the back and sides do not hold his quintessential marquetry, nevertheless they are made with long strips of ebony and ivory showing this to be no exception to Tielke’s lavish taste. (Daniel Wheeldon 10/29/2015)
Technical description: Originally a ten string (five double course) guitar now modified for six single courses; pine top with ivory / ebony and ivory purfling with alternating ebony and ivory squares, soundhole diameter of 80.3 mm with matching purfling, bridge replaced; Ebony staves with ivory spaces form ribs and vaulted back; neck of pine with tortoiseshell veneer and ivory foliage and floral inlaid decoration that continues on heel, neck, and back of headstock; ebony fingerboard with 18 brass frets; headstock with ivory veneer and tortoiseshell foliage inlaid decoration, originally for 10 friction tuners (5 double courses) now modified for six tuners of ebonised hardwood with an ivory tip and nipple. (Daniel Wheeldon 10/29/2015)
Technical description: Originally a ten string (five double course) guitar now modified for six single courses; pine top with ivory / ebony and ivory purfling with alternating ebony and ivory squares, soundhole diameter of 80.3 mm with matching purfling, bridge replaced; Ebony staves with ivory spaces form ribs and vaulted back; neck of pine with tortoiseshell veneer and ivory foliage and floral inlaid decoration that continues on heel, neck, and back of headstock; ebony fingerboard with 18 brass frets; headstock with ivory veneer and tortoiseshell foliage inlaid decoration, originally for 10 friction tuners (5 double courses) now modified for six tuners of ebonised hardwood with an ivory tip and nipple. (Daniel Wheeldon 10/29/2015)
Artwork Details
- Title: Guitar
- Maker: Joachim Tielke (German, 1641–1719)
- Date: ca. 1695–99
- Geography: Hamburg, Germany
- Culture: German
- Medium: Wood, ivory, ebony
- Dimensions: Total Length: 916 mm
- Classification: Chordophone-Lute-plucked-fretted
- Credit Line: Gift of The University Museum, University of Pennsylvania, 1953
- Object Number: 53.56.3
- Curatorial Department: Musical Instruments
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Joachim Tielke
ca. 1670–80
Joachim Tielke
ca. 1685
Joachim Tielke
ca. 1685
Jean-Baptiste Voboam
1697
Giacomo (Jacob) Ertel
late 17th century
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