Mandolin
This extraordinary Neapolitan mandolin is one of the most decorative examples that exists. The bowlback is formed of twenty-three narrow molded strips of tortoiseshell with ivory spacers. The soundboard is lavishly decorated with inlaid mother-of-pearl and tortoiseshell. The round soundhole is surrounded by a broad band of tortoiseshell and pearl inlay. The fingerboard has thirteen gilt frets and inlaid mother-of-pearl blocks. The peghead is scalloped shaped and covered with tortoiseshell and mother-of-pearl with eight fiddle-style pegs inserted from behind. The mandolin has the stylistic features associated with the Neapolitan school including a slight bend in the soundboard at the bridge and eight strings in four double-courses tuned to the same pitches as a violin: E, A, D, G.
Artwork Details
- Title: Mandolin
- Maker: Antonius Vinaccia (Italian, Naples active 1754–1781 Naples)
- Date: 1781
- Geography: Naples, Italy
- Culture: Italian
- Medium: Spruce, tortoiseshell, mother-of-pearl, gold alloy, ivory, various other materials
- Dimensions: Height: 23 in. (58.4 cm)
Width: 7 1/2 in. (191. cm) - Classification: Chordophone-Lute-plucked-fretted
- Credit Line: Gift of Marie A. Main, 1899
- Object Number: 89.4.2140
- Curatorial Department: Musical Instruments
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