Welsh Crwth and Russian Balalaika by William Gibb

Welsh Crwth and Russian Balalaika by William Gibb

C. 1888

Chromolithograph

Welsh Crwth and Russian Balalaika is a finely detailed nineteenth-century print depicting three traditional stringed instruments: a historic bowed Welsh crwth (center) and two views of a triangular Russian balalaika (left and right). Created by the Scottish artist and master illustrator William Gibb, this artwork was executed as a chromolithograph and published circa 1888. The composition meticulously documents the physical construction, wood grain, and functional anatomy of these distinct folk instruments, rendering them with scientific precision against a minimalist, neutral background. This specific piece holds significant historical importance because it serves as an invaluable primary visual record of surviving regional folk instruments, capturing their exact states of preservation during the Victorian era.

This plate was originally produced for the landmark publication Musical Instruments, Historic, Rare and Unique, written by musicologist Alfred James Hipkins. During the late nineteenth century, a growing European fascination with ethnomusicology and antiquarianism fueled a desire to visually preserve rare cultural artifacts before they disappeared. Gibb became highly celebrated for his exceptional ability to translate the complex textures of historic objects into print media.

Dimensions: H 11 ¾” x 16”W

Condition: Some foxing