Mandora

1726

Not on view

The mandora is a type of lute that developed in the eighteenth century in Germany, possibly as a simplified, more accessible version of the very complex lutes of the Baroque era. The body of the mandora is smaller and has fewer courses (usually six or seven); this example features six courses, five of them double and one single course. The body alternates ribs of figured maple and bird's eye maple, producing a very subtle yet elegant effect. Ink letters found on the back of the neck correspond with letters of the lute tablature. The unusual bridge is not original.

(Jonathan Santa Maria Bouquet, 2009)

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

References

Title: Mandora
Maker: Gregori Ferdinand Wenger
Date: 1726
Geography: Augsburg, Germany
Culture: German
Medium: Maple, spruce, ebony
Dimensions: L. to nut 77.1cm (30.35 in.); String L.: Minimum 67.5 cm (26.58 in.); L. of top 48.5 cm. (19.09 in.)
Classification: Chordophone-Lute-plucked-fretted
Credit Line: The Crosby Brown Collection of Musical Instruments, 1889
Object Number: 89.4.3140
Curatorial Department: Musical Instruments

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