Object Details
maker
Vinaccia, Gaetano
Description
This guitar was made by Gaetano Vinaccia of Naples, Italy in 1779. The Vinaccia family were violin and mandolin makers in Naples from the mid-18th century to the late 19th. Later generations, including Gaetano Vinaccia, made mostly mandolins and guitars. This is a six course (6x1) pear-shaped guitar with a cypress back and sides. The label inside the guitar reads: “Gajetanus Vinaccia [/] Fecit Neapoli Strada Rua Catalana [/] Num. 85 Anno 1779.”
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1779
ID Number
MI.095263
accession number
26256
catalog number
95263
Object Name
guitar
Physical Description
wood (body material)
mother of pearl (inlay material)
shell, tortoise (finger board material)
gut (strings material)
Measurements
overall: 36 1/4 in x 12 5/8 in x 4 in; 92.075 cm x 32.0675 cm x 10.16 cm
place made
Italy: Campania, Naples
Related Publication
Densmore, Frances. Handbook of the Collection of Musical Instruments in the United States National Museum.
See more items in
Culture and the Arts: Musical Instruments
Music & Musical Instruments
Guitars
Data Source
National Museum of American History
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmah_605711