Cleveland Museum of Art · c. 1620
Lute or Tiorbino
The lute was the most important musical instrument in secular settings throughout the 16th and 17th centuries. Not only a virtuoso instrument with a huge repertoire, the lute provided the ideal accompaniment for the voice, played an essential role in ensembles, figured in masques and operas, and was played by amateurs as well as professionals. A highly specialized instrument, this tiorbino is a type of long-necked lute resembling a theorbo, but significantly smaller and pitched an octave higher. An object of great rarity, it is one of the smallest Baroque tiorbinos to survive.
| Date | c. 1620 |
|---|---|
| Culture / origin | Italy, probably made in the mid-17th century, but modified by later repair |
| Materials | wood |
| Dimensions | Overall: 100.7 x 27.7 cm (39 5/8 x 10 7/8 in.) |
| Credit | The Charles G. King Jr. collection; Gift of Ralph King in memory of Charles G. King Jr. |
