Stradivarius Cetera or Cither c1700. William Gibb Lithograph for HIpkins c1888.

by Hipkins, Alfred James

Antique print of Cetera, by Antonius Stradivarius. Italian Cither, dated 1700, made by Antonio Stradivarius, and belonged to the violinist, Alard. This cetera is one of the oldest existing musical instruments. Of the quality and workmanship of Lord Tollemache's English cither, known as Queen Elizabeth's lute. 

Original colour-printed lithograph by William Gibb for the first edition of “Musical Instruments - Historic, Rare and Unique” by Alfred James Hipkins (1826-1903), published in Edinburgh, circa 1888 by Adam and Charles Black. Gibb's lithographs for the first edition of Hipkins's work are considered to be the finest illustrations of musical instruments ever done.

From decommissioned library edition, current conservation ragmat (1/2 framed) conceals the library stamp. Page size: 405 x 295 mm (approximately 16 x 11.5 inches). Lithograph size: 320 x 210 mm (approx. 11.5 x 8.25 inches).