Angel playing the vihuela.
(1525/ca) - Colegiata de Santa María, Calatayud.
instrument: vihuela de mano | century: 16cent/1/early | catalogue nº: 16-143
Artwork
Creator Obray, Esteban de
Medium Artwork: Sculpture
Location
City Calatayud | Region Castilla-León | Old kingdom Castile
Characteristics
| Body Waisted | Strings None | Neck Long | Pegbox Flat oval |
| Bridge Fixed | Frets No | Back Flat | Pegs Rear |
| Technique Plucked fingers thumb out |
Commentary
ARTWORK
The portal of the Colegiata de Santa María in Calatayud was added in the 16th century and features the alabaster decorations made by Juan de Talavera and Esteban de Oloray. Their work was completed in 1525. At the top of the arched entrance to either side are angel musicians, one playing vihuela and the other playing a harp.
INSTRUMENT
The vihuela is small in body size, but with a long string length. It appears to have three or four strings depicted, but this is no doubt symbolic. The pegbox is oval or semicircular with what appear to be three pegs. It is difficult to see further features of the instrument although it is being plucked with the fingers in the thumb-out style.
