Cleveland Museum of Art · 1865–70
Vielle à Roue (Hurdy-Gurdy)
In France, the hurdy-gurdy is known as the vielle à roue (wheel fiddle). This six-stringed musical instrument produces sound by a hand crank-turned wheel that rubs against the strings. The wheel functions much like a violin bow, and single notes sound similar to those of a violin. Melodies are played on a keyboard that presses small wedges against the strings to change their pitch.
This vielle à roue was made in the French village of Jenzat, which was the manufacturing center for hurdy-gurdies during the 19th century.
| Date | 1865–70 |
|---|---|
| Maker | Jacques Decante (French, 1808–1884) |
| Culture / origin | France |
| Materials | Wood; mother-of-pearl inlay |
| Credit | Gift of Clara Taplin Rankin |
