Guitarra Séptima (Seven-course guitar)
Mariano Fernández, Guitarra Séptima (Seven-course guitar)
2012.569
The Mexican seven-course guitar reached the height of its popularity during the 19th century. It was used to perform music in a variety of genres, most of it written by Mexican composers. This beautifully crafted instrument by Mariano Fernández epitomizes guitar making in Mexico at its highest level. Inlaid mother-of-pearl, abalone and wood trace intricate geometric patterns and elegant floral motifs on every surface. Just below the bridge, a lyre topped by a Phrygian cap, symbols of music and liberty, connect the guitar to Mexico’s Liberal Reform movement and its cultural expression in art and music.
2012.569
The Mexican seven-course guitar reached the height of its popularity during the 19th century. It was used to perform music in a variety of genres, most of it written by Mexican composers. This beautifully crafted instrument by Mariano Fernández epitomizes guitar making in Mexico at its highest level. Inlaid mother-of-pearl, abalone and wood trace intricate geometric patterns and elegant floral motifs on every surface. Just below the bridge, a lyre topped by a Phrygian cap, symbols of music and liberty, connect the guitar to Mexico’s Liberal Reform movement and its cultural expression in art and music.
Artwork Details
- Title: Guitarra Séptima (Seven-course guitar)
- Maker: M. Fernandez (Mexican)
- Date: ca. 1880
- Geography: Mexico
- Culture: Mexican
- Medium: Spruce, rosewood, mother-of-pearl
- Dimensions: 40 1/2 × 11 15/16 × 4 3/8 in. (102.9 × 30.3 × 11.1 cm)
- Classification: Chordophone-Lute-plucked-fretted
- Credit Line: Purchase, Amati Gifts, 2012
- Object Number: 2012.569
- Curatorial Department: Musical Instruments
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Marcos Manufactory
late 19th century
Christian Frederick Martin
before 1867
Christian Frederick Martin
ca. 1837
Christian Frederick Martin
George Wachsteter
ca. 1838
Thomas Appleton
1830
Related Content
Publications
Books, guides, and catalogues published by The Met.
Free to download
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.