Lyre guitar c. 1800

This lyre-guitar was made by Augustin Claudot in the 1800s. At this time, the guitar was becoming an increasingly popular instrument, with many variations being developed. The lyre guitar became fashionable in France during the early 19th century. Its design blends the ancient symbolism of the lyre with the modern functionality of the guitar, reflecting the period's fascination with antiquity and neoclassicism. This hybrid instrument embodies the cultural aspirations of the time, linking contemporary society with the perceived elegance and sophistication of ancient Greece. Musical instruments like this were status symbols, reflecting the cultural values of its commissioner and the society it inhabited. By studying instrument makers, their patrons, and the musical culture of the time, we can better understand the complex interplay between art, society, and history.