Archlute (liuto attiorbato), Matteo Sellas, 1637
ebony, ivory, spruce, h 113cm × w 34cm × d 16cm More details
The most appreciated lutes among wealthier Dutch music amateurs came from Italy. Matteo Sellas’ lutes were renowned in Europe for their quality and lavish decorations. In contrast to ‘ordinary’ lutes, archlutes like the one displayed here, have an extra set of long bass strings. This makes it possible to produce a greater range of lower pitched tones.
