Guitar 1770

This guitar was made by Guillaume Joseph Lekeu sometime before 1800. Notice how the instrument presents a striking arrangement of linear forms. The neck extends as a rigid, dark rectangle bisecting the gentler curves of the body. The guitar’s formal structure can be viewed as a semiotic system, each element acting as a signifier. The dark circular sound hole, framed by concentric circles, contrasts with the pale wood. This juxtaposition isn’t merely decorative. The dark circle suggests an abyss, drawing the eye inward, while the light body exudes an almost classical purity. The curves might be considered feminine, yet this softness is contained within the guitar's overall symmetry and controlled lines. The instrument functions as a cultural artifact and as an aesthetic object. It offers a complex interplay between form and function, challenging the clear separation of art and utility. The guitar remains an instrument of ongoing interpretation and re-interpretation.