Épinette des Vosges

Amant Constant (Amé) Lambert

late 19th century · Wood, metal · Musical Instruments

The épinette des Vosges is a traditional plucked zither used in areas of the Vosges mountains of France. It can be documented as early as the eighteenth century. This example has five wire strings, two used to play the melody and three drone strings. There are five wood lateral strings in the scroll pegbox. Seventeen wire staple frets under the two melody strings. Heart and quatrefoil shaped soundholes pierce the soundboard. Inlaid multi-colored wood strips border the soundboard.

Artist

Amant Constant (Amé) Lambert

Date

late 19th century

Medium

Wood, metal

Culture

French

Department

Musical Instruments

Credit line

The Crosby Brown Collection of Musical Instruments, 1889