Lira da braccio - Image 1

Front view of lira da braccio by Francesco Linarol, Venice, 1563. One of the most important stringed instruments of the Renaissance, the lira da braccio was used primarily by courtly poet-musicians in Italy to accompany themselves while reciting poetry. The five strings over the fingerboard were played with a bow, while the two strings on the instrument's bass side were plucked by the player's left thumb. A Latin motto or saying is painted on the carved ribs of this lira da braccio and describes the playing of the instrument.