Hurdy-gurdy (wheel fiddle)
Musical instrument, chordophone • Noel Morin
Style & Movement
French Folk / Late Baroque Vernacular
Medium & Technique
Hand-carved wood (likely fruitwood or maple), iron, ivory, ink, felt, and lacquer. Features hand-painted floral motifs and geometric rosette soundhole carvings.
Creation Period
Late 18th Century (c. 1780-1800)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 60-70 cm in length; horizontal/oblong format
Subject Description
A mechanised string instrument with a crank-turned wheel rubbing against strings. The body features a flat back for tabletop play, ornate 'rosace' soundholes, and a keybox decorated with dark lacquer and floral vine patterns.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good (Museum Grade). Shows signs of age-related patina and minor surface craquelure, but remains structurally intact for display.
Estimated Market Value
$5,000 - $12,000 USD
Auction Estimate
$4,000 - $8,000 USD
Provenance History
Originated in Rouen, France. Currently part of a museum collection (as indicated by the display labels and stands). Previously likely passed through private European collections or specialized musical instrument dealers.
Art Historical Significance
A rare example of a late 18th-century French hurdy-gurdy by a known maker (Morin). It represents a period when the instrument transitioned from folk contexts into the French aristocracy (vielle à roue), blending rustic functionality with elegant craftsmanship.
Notable Features
Distinctive flat back design for versatile playing; intricate carved rosettes; authentic ivory key inserts; and the maker's signature/attribution found on the associated museum documentation.
Condition Issues
Visible wear on the keybox lacquer, yellowing of the ivory keys, minor oxidation of metal components, and historical varnish darkening.
Conservation Recommendations
Maintain strict climate control (45-55% humidity) to prevent wood cracking. Periodic inspection of string tension and pest surveillance for wood-boring insects.