Guitar

ca. 1695–99
Not on view
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)

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 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

More Artwork

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.