Angel playing a vihuela, Portico, Church of Santa María de Requena, Valencia, c. 1480.
(1480/ca) - Valencia: Church of Santa María de Requena.
instrument: vihuela de mano | century: 15cent/3/late | catalogue nº: 15-350c
Artwork
Creator
Medium Artwork: Sculpture
Location
City | Region | Old kingdom
Characteristics
| Body Waisted | Strings 6 courses | Neck Short | Pegbox None |
| Bridge Fixed | Frets No | Back Flat | Pegs None |
| Technique Plucked fingers |
Commentary
ARTWORK
Main portal of the church of Santa María, Requena (Valencia). The church was originally built in the late 15th century but has been subsequently altered. See 15-350
INSTRUMENT
This vihuela from the portal of the Church of Santa María, Requena, is played by an angel, plucking with the fingers. The body of the instrument is considerably more oblong in its profile with gently incurved waists, but quite sharp bouts. The soundbox is hallow and flat. the neck is short and there is no pegbox visible in the photograph. It is difficult to work out the number of courses that the instrument might have. It seems to have seven or eight strings, and could be an attempt to depict a four-course instrument with double courses.
The photograph was used at the 2008 Utrecht vihuela expo, and was probably taken by Carlos González.