Although all the comments are quite true, vanitas, etc, the broken string was originally a reference to several works of the Classics including Euripides. The following is from a Greek Votive inscription: DEDICATORY. 285 THE CICALA [CICADA]. rbv xo^kovp rimya. a i. 202. Phoebus, on thy shrine I place Thine own Cicala wrought in brass, Memorial of my victor crown, Eunomus of Locri's town ! To the lyre's sweet strife we came (Parthes was my rival's name). To the plectrum's touch of fire Scarce had rung the Locrian lyre ; With the sharp and sudden strain Burst the shrilling string in twain. Ere the halting harmony On the list'ning ear could die, Sat the insect, carolling Sweetly on the broken string, To the same unfailing note, Warbling from his mimic throat. dt __________________________________________________________________
From: Rob MacKillop <luteplay...@googlemail.com> To: Anthony Hind <anthony.h...@noos.fr> Cc: lute List <lute@cs.dartmouth.edu> Sent: Friday, May 8, 2009 4:31:21 PM Subject: [LUTE] Re: Dutch theorbo painting online Broken strings was a typical way for the artist to show 'discord' between the subjects. The Amabassadors is another example. Rob -- To get on or off this list see list information at [1]http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html -- References 1. http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/%7Ewbc/lute-admin/index.html