Lute - In general use throughout the 16th and 17th centuries, but its origin can be traced back to to about 1000 BC. The instrument illustrated is Italian, dating from circa 1600 by Venere of Padua (Padova). During the 18th century the lute lost favour to the guitar, which was easier to play and the popular spinet which allowed playing using both hands (allowing the playing of an air along with an accompaniment at the same time). The mandolin of today is a treble lute.