Cleveland Museum of Art · 1700s
Vielle à roue
The instrumentalist could play melodies on the keyboard that presses tangents against one or more strings. Often there are also multiple drone strings, which give a constant pitch accompaniment to the melody, resulting in a sound similar to that of bagpipes. This type of instrument is depicted in several artworks in the CMA collection: 1924.656, 2008.34.2, 1960.20. The vielle à roue is also related to the Swedish nyckelharpa , which was featured on the CMA performing arts series in 2017 played by Emilia Amper .
Also known as a “hurdy-gurdy” or “wheel fiddle,” this instrument produces sound by a hand crank-turned rosined wheel rubbing against the strings.
| Date | 1700s |
|---|---|
| Maker | Pajot of Jánzat (French) |
| Culture / origin | France |
| Materials | wood |
| Dimensions | Overall: 74 x 33 cm (29 1/8 x 13 in.) |
| Credit | The Charles G. King Jr. collection; Gift of Ralph King in memory of Charles G. King Jr. |
