Suonatrice di viola da mano
unknown
instrument: viola da mano (vihuela) | century: 16cent/1/early | catalogue nº: 16-160
Artwork
Creator Costa, Lorenzo
Medium Artwork: Painting
Location
City Ferrara | Region Italy | Old kingdom Ferrara
Characteristics
| Body Corners | Strings 6 courses | Neck Medium | Pegbox Scroll |
| Bridge Fixed | Frets Yes | Back Flat | Pegs Lateral |
| Technique Plucked fingers thumb out |
Commentary
ARTWORK
Painting attributed to Lorenzo Costa (1460-1535) on the basis of a signature. “Suonatrice di liuto” by Lorenzo Costa, oil painting on wood, 63.8 x 54.5 cm, dated 1500-1535. Currently located in Bologna, having formerly been in private collections in the USA and the UK. Full details on the website.
INSTRUMENT
A large viola da mano with a body size and depth that recalls the vihuela de arco, but clearly with a flat fixed bridge and being plucked with the fingers. The strings are clearly depicted: 5 x 2 + 1 x 1 - single cantino and probably octaves on the 5th and 6th courses. 6 pegs are visible on the treble side of the pegbox, 4 are visible on the bass side, but presumably two are hidden behind the scroll.
http://catalogo.fondazionezeri.unibo.it/scheda/opera/31185/Costa%20Lorenzo%2C%20Suonatrice%20di%20liuto