![]() ![]() ![]() Part citole, part violin, it was described as a gittern by Francis Galpin in 1910, and the term stuck until 1977 when Laurence Wright extensively revised the terminology surrounding the gittern and related instruments. A virtuoso example of the Medieval woodcarver’s craft, it is one of perhaps only four stringed instruments of comparable quality to have survived from the Medieval period. The British Museum’s citole is an object of extreme rarity. Interpreting past restorations and modifications allowed for informed judgements to be made about conservation treatments, while making more accessible important information about the instrument’s past. ![]() The metal elements have been identified by X-ray fluorescence analysis, while microscopic analysis enabled the identification of the wooden components. Radiography has been used to study features of the original construction as well as internal alterations which show that it could have been played with a bow. Detailed examination of the citole components prior to and during conservation revealed previously suspected but unseen alterations. Throughout its history the instrument has undergone periodic repair, including the replacement of soundboards, fingerboards, strings and other fittings, but its magnificently carved boxwood (Buxus sempervirens) body, neck and headpiece remain virtually intact. Th e refurbishment of the Medieval galleries at the museum during 2007–2008 allowed an opportunity to re-evaluate past treatments of the instrument and investigate its present form scientifically. Dating from around 1300–1330, its survival can be attributed to three factors: the quality of craftsmanship with its richly carved decorative elements, its association with Elizabeth I of England (1558–1603) and her favourite Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, and its modification to keep pace with changing musical fashion. The British Museum Technical Research Bulletin, Vol.2 (2008)Ībstract: The British Museum’s citole is one of Britain’s earliest extant stringed instruments. A musical instrument fit for a queen: the metamorphosis of a Medieval citoleīy Philip Kevin, James Robinson, Susan La Niece, Caroline Cartwright and Chris Egerton ![]()
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