Arion playing a vihuela on the back of a Dolphin
(1538) - Narváez, Los seis libros...
instrument: vihuela de mano | century: 16cent/2/mid | catalogue nº: 16-201
Artwork
Creator Fernández de Córdoba, Diego (I)
Medium Artwork: Woodcut
Location
City Valladolid | Region Castilla-León | Old kingdom Castile
Characteristics
| Body Waisted | Strings 5 strings? | Neck Long | Pegbox Flat rectangle |
| Bridge Fixed | Frets Yes | Back Not visible | Pegs Rear |
| Technique Plucked fingers thumb out |
Commentary
ARTWORK
The frontispiece of Narváez’s vihuela book, Los seys libros del Delphin, features a woodcut that shows the mythical figure Arion seated on the back of a dolphin playing the vihuela. It depicts the legend of the shipwrecked Arion being rescued by the dolphin Amphion due to the sweetness of his vihuela playing. Approx 115 x 160mm.
INSTRUMENT
A a small-bodied vihuela with a long neck. Given the small size of the print, it is difficult to see great detail or to assume that all the detail is accurate. The body shape appears accurate with the bridge close to the lower end, and the strings attached to it. There is one soundhole with rosette in the middle iof the upper bout. Furhther detail is less preceise: the instrument has only five strings, yet 8 tuning pegs. It has frets that are placed equidistantly. The vihuela is being played in a fashion that appears credible. The player appears to be plucking using the “figueta española” technique for plucking the strings, with the thumb outstretched.