Vihuela or Guitar (Vihuela) depicted together with a lute adorning the Sagrarium behind the high altar in Tarragona Cathedral. Alabaster and Black marble
Tarragona Cathedral
instrument: vihuela de mano | century: 17cent/3/late | catalogue nº: 17-303a
Artwork
Creator Espinalt, Isidre
Medium Artwork: Sculpture
Location
City | Region | Old kingdom
Characteristics
| Body Waisted | Strings 4 courses | Neck Long | Pegbox Angled flat |
| Bridge Fixed | Frets Yes | Back Flat | Pegs Rear |
| Technique Plucked fingers |
Commentary
ARTWORK
Scultpure by Isidre Espinalt (1658-1737), an angel playing a vihuela or Guitar (Vihuela) on the left of the sagrarium, together with another playing a lute adorning the Sagrarium behind the high altar in Tarragona Cathedral. Alabaster and Black marble. According to Dorico i Alujas [dorico1998] (p. 86) the sagrarium recalls another made by Joan Grau in 1671 for the convent of St Ignatius in Manresa. The sagrarium was commissioned by the archbishop Josep Llinàs for a cost of 823 libras.
INSTRUMENT
The instrument is clearly made with tfive courses of strings. Despite its date, is clearly based on an earlier style of guitar or vihuela with a wide body, and less curve on the waists, shallow body and bridge placed low down on the soundboard.
Thanks to the photographer, Laia Paleo and The Lute Society for use of this image.