1762 instrument

[Jacqke]

This picture has been labeled mandolin in the Wikimedia Commons. It was painted in 1762 by Joshua Reynolds (1723-1792). I am thinking it may be a mandola, based on its size, and have tentatively added that to the image description there: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/F...rs._Froude.jpg. Any opinions?

[Davey]

It seems to have five pairs of strings which probably makes it a Cittern. Reynolds was the top Portraitist of his time so I guess he'd have an eye for accurate detail. It's a great painting.

[Jacqke]

It seems to have five pairs of strings which probably makes it a Cittern.

If a cittern, could it be an English guitar?

[Ray(T)]

Looks to me that the fret spacing is out and the bridge needs moving towards the neck! Or is it art?

[Jim Garber]

I guess you need big hair to play those English guitars. Here's another one.

[Jacqke]

Got a book with several pics of citterns. I found one on the internet that looks similar to the painting. This was done by Johannes Theodorus Cuypers in 1776:

Won't let me upload tonight, but link is https://ca.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cistre...,_MDMB_459.jpg

[Jacob]

Cittern or English guitar purchased by Thomas Jefferson.

[Jim Garber]

Got a book with several pics of citterns. I found one on the internet that looks similar to the painting. This was done by Johannes Theodorus Cuypers in 1776:

Won't let me upload tonight, but link is https://ca.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cistre...,_MDMB_459.jpg

Here it is: