Cither-Viol

Art Historical Context

Nestled in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's renowned Crosby Brown Collection of Musical Instruments acquired in 1889 the *Cither-Viol* is a delicate Spanish chordophone from the early 19th century.ed from wood and various materials, this lute without frets measures just 41 cm in total, with a slender neck (15.4 cm long, tapering from 2.5 to 3.1 cm wide) and a compact body (26.2 cm long, widening from 19.5 cm at the upper bout to 21 cm at the lower). Its shallow depth—3.7 cm at the neck joint to 4.5 cm at the foot—highlights the instrument's elegant, portable design, ideal for intimate performances. As a member of the lute family, the *Cither-Viol* features a vibrating string length of 32 cm, a 3.5 cm bridge, and a charming 4 cm rosette soundhole, elements that would have amplified its bright, resonant tones. Unfretted construction allowed skilled players fluid glissandos and expressive phrasing, reflecting Spanish musical traditions blending folk and classical influences during a time of cultural revival post-Napoleonic era. Though by an unknown maker, its precise craftsmanship underscores the artistry of Iberian luthiery, preserving a snapshot of 19th-century soundscapes for today's visitors.