Guitar

Joseph Benedid

1787 · Pine, ebony, maple, bone, mahogany · Musical Instruments

This in an important example of the Spanish guitar in the late 18th century. Made in 1787 by Joseph Benedid in Cadiz, this guitar uses two internal ‘fan’ braces to reinforce the soundboard. Benedid was among the first guitar makers to use this design style which enabled his instruments to be wider while still withstanding the string tension of six double courses. This high-end instrument combines the latest in guitar innovation with elaborate inlay of ebony and mother-of-pearl. (Daniel Wheeldon, 2023)

Artist

Joseph Benedid

Date

1787

Medium

Pine, ebony, maple, bone, mahogany

Culture

Spanish

Department

Musical Instruments

Credit line

Purchase, Clara Mertens Bequest, in memory of André Mertens, 1992