Woman playing vihuela.
(1540-1550) - León: cloister of the Hostal de San Marcos.
instrument: vihuela de mano | century: 16cent/2/mid | catalogue nº: 16-236
Artwork
Creator Badajoz, el Mozo, Juan de
Medium Artwork: Sculpture
Location
City León | Region Castilla-León | Old kingdom Castile
Characteristics
| Body Waisted | Strings 5 strings | Neck Medium | Pegbox None |
| Bridge Fixed | Frets Unclear | Back Flat | Pegs None |
| Technique Plucked fingers thumb out |
Commentary
ARTWORK
Sculpture in the Hostal San Marcos, León. Currently a Parador Nacional, formerly the Convento de San Marcos, built between 1515 and 1541. (see: http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Convento_de_San_Marcos_(León). It is one of the leading monuments of Spanish Renasissance architecture. The cloister is divided into two sections from the 16th century, by Juan de Badajoz el Mozo, in one of the sections there is a bas-relief work by Juan de Juni, representing a Nativity. The other two sections are from the 17th and 18th centuries. This instrument could be the work of Juan de Badajoz or someone in his team of workers.
INSTRUMENT
An elegantly shaped vihuela with incurved waists and a flat back. The sculpture very clearly shows the shallow soundbox. A bridge with curved ends can be clearly seen on the soundboard and five strings are depicted. Beneath the right hand of the vihuelist a circular soundhole is just visible. The instrument has a medium neck but the pegbox is missing.