J. Dowland Picture and Photo Gallery:

Born in 1563, J. "John" Dowland is easily among the most well-known and highly regarded lutenists in history, with his music remaining vital well beyond his own lifetime.

Although he specialized in compositions for the lute, a small, hollow-bodied 15-or 24-stringed instrument somewhat resembling a guitar or mandolin, the impact of his music style extends beyond the lute.

There is not a great deal of information collected regarding Dowland's childhood and early years, but as an adult he became a composer for the court of Christian IV of Denmark.