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Lute Facts

The lute’s history traces back to ancient Mesopotamia. Its ancestor is the Arabic oud, meaning “the wood,” which was introduced to Europe via Moorish Spain and the Crusades around the 8th–13th centuries.

Early medieval lutes had four single strings, played with a quill plectrum. By the Renaissance, lutes typically had six courses, or pairs of strings. By the Baroque era, some had up to 14–19 courses, with bass strings added for a richer sound.

Lutes are known for their distinctive pear-shaped body and rounded back, artfully crafted from thin wooden strips glued together. The lute’s soundboard typically features a carved “rose,” an intricate soundhole that enhances the instrument’s unique, delicate tone.

Sadly, by the 18th century, the lute was overshadowed by keyboard instruments. The revival of the lute in the 20th century brought the instrument back into prominence after centuries of obscurity. This aligned with a broader interest in historical performance, which influenced classical music and folk traditions. Lute music appeared in film scores and period dramas, enhancing the instrument’s visibility. As a result, the lute has reclaimed its place as a respected solo and ensemble instrument.

Lute Soundhole Detail

More Lute Facts

A person who performs on this string instrument is called a lutenist. Notable lutenists include Julian Bream, Peter Croton, John Dowland, Jacques Gallot, Joachim Held, Hubert Hoffmann, Lutz Kirchhof, Jakob Lindberg, Rolf Lislevand, Eugen Müller-Dombois, Nigel North, Paul O’Dette, Diana Poulton, Valéry Sauvage, and Christopher Wilson.

Symbolism and Art
The lute symbolized harmony, love, and youth in Renaissance art, often depicted in the hands of angels or lovers. A broken string, as seen in Holbein’s painting The Ambassadors, represented discord.

The Ambassadors (1533)

Hans Holbein the Younger

The Ambassadors by Hans Holbein the Younger – Premium Wall Art Print Using Non-toxic, Archival Inks

Marilyn with Lute
Marilyn Monroe’s friend Milton Greene first photographed her in 1953 when the actress was a rising star. That year she had leading roles in the film noir Niagara, and the comedies Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and How to Marry a Millionaire. The two collaborated on more than 50 photo sessions, and formed Marilyn Monroe Productions to protect her career from Hollywood powerhouses.

Marilyn Monroe with Lute

Officially Licensed Marilyn Monroe Wall Art

Marilyn Monroe Wall Art Poster Poster Measures 11×17 inches

Lutenist Valéry Sauvage

Accomplished string musician Valéry Sauvage plays the timeless classic “Greensleeves” on an instrument constructed by Stephen Murphy. Initially he plays the anonymous version from William Ballet’s Lute Book (late 16th or early 17th century). Valéry believes this to be the first known version for solo lute of “Greensleeves.” He segues into a version by Renaissance period composer and lutenist Francis Cutting, then back to the first version.

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Roosebeck Tenor Lute-Kulele Ukulele

Product details:

Design is based upon the Renaissance Lute which was prevalent in Europe in the 16th and 17th century
Back is made in the traditional manner of lute making, with alternating staves of walnut and lacewood (Platanus orientalus)
Neck and pegbox are solid walnut
The second (E) and third (C) strings are doubled providing a rich full and balanced tone
Ideally suited for classical and fingerstyle music
European spruce soundboard
Features the famous Leonardo Knot rosette, a favorite of Renaissance lute makers
One of the sweetest sounding ukuleles in the Roosebeck collection

Roosebeck Tenor Lute-Kulele Ukulele Variegated – Walnut Back is Crafted With Alternating Staves of Walnut and Lacewood

Chinese Lute (Pipa)

Cultural Spread
Lute popularity spread across Eurasia by way of the Silk Roads, evolving into instruments like the Chinese pipa, Indian sitar, and Persian barbat. Its versatility made the lute a key instrument in various musical traditions, and it rapidly became a favorite for solo, accompaniment, and ensemble music.

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Roosebeck 8-Course Lute Strings RBSLT8 – Traditional Renaissance Tuning Recommended for this Set First Coffee Then Lute Baroque Music Lover Musician Lutenist Cotton T-Shirt – Lute Player Humor I’m Only In It for The Lute – Funny Lute Player Cotton T-Shirt- Baroque and Medieval Instrument Humor Berkin Arts Leonardo Da Vinci Stretched Giclee Print On Canvas – Angel in Red with Lute – 7.4 x 15 inches