General Information
| Title: |
Snakes, Trees and Flames: A Discussion of Venetian Curved Cornett Decorations |
| Source: |
Historic Brass Society Journal
Volume 1, Issue 1 (1989)
(table of contents)
Pages 101-108
Year of Publication: 1989
ISSN: 1045-4616 |
| Author(s): |
John McCann |
Abstract
The 16th- and early 17th-c. Venetian cornetts show decorations that include trees, flames, arabesques, and diamond chip-carving. The cornett was often used musically to depict the underworld, and the decorations partially reflect this. The trees resemble Italian cypresses, which since Roman times have been planted in cemeteries and symbolize eternity. The diamonds carved on the upper end of the instrument represent scales on the tail of a serpent, which depicts the underworld. Flame-like squiggles, possibly the flaming sword of Islam, and arabesques reflect the influence of the Levant on Venice, the established center for cornett music and fine cornett making. (author)
References
(Not in database)
Keywords
iconographies, italy, venezia, cornetts, 16th-17th c., decorations, symbolism; instruments-wind [brass], cornett, italy, venezia, 16th-17th c., iconography, decorations, symbolism; symbolism italy, venezia, cornetts, 16th-17th c., decorations