Guitar 1745 - 1770

This guitar was crafted in Spain by José Massague sometime between the late 17th and early 18th centuries. During this period, the Baroque guitar served not just as a musical instrument, but as a symbol of status and cultural identity. The guitar's intricate decorations speak to the complex interplay between artistic expression and social hierarchy. Spanish society at the time was deeply stratified, with race, class, and gender dictating one's position. As such, instruments were often adorned to reflect the owner’s status and taste. The guitar’s design, while seemingly decorative, embodies cultural narratives and power structures. It is a reminder of the stories, sounds, and social lives that resonated through the courts and streets of Baroque Spain.