Sea Dragon

Unknown

17th century · Wood, brass, gilding · Musical Instruments

This and a similar dragon in The Cincinnati Art Museum are the only known instruments of this kind to survive. Used as a stage prop, it probably appeared in masquerades and theatrical scenes depicting the underworld. The instruments were capable of producing sounds and noises that supported onstage dramaturgical actions both visually and aurally. Made from two joined hollowed out lengths of wood, the dragon was then sculpted, painted a dark green and gilded on its head and fins. During the 19th century the body was partially re-painted black. The original mouthpiece and bocal are now missing.

Artist

Unknown

Date

17th century

Medium

Wood, brass, gilding

Culture

Italian

Department

Musical Instruments

Credit line

The Crosby Brown Collection of Musical Instruments, 1889