Images(6)

Viola

Date1560-1570

Attributed to Gasparo da Salo

OriginEurope, Italy, Brescia

MediumMaple, Hard spruce, Ebony

DimensionsOverall: 68 x 25.1cm (26 3/4 x 9 7/8in.)

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1969-186,A

Description"The two-piece back is of maple attractively marked with rather large curls of irregular figure which descend from the center. The sides are of similar maple; and the two middle ribs are from a later period. The scroll is of plain maple with the back left flat as is characteristic. The two-piece top is hazel-spruce cut out on the slab and marked with a prominent criss-crossed figure. The instrument is double-purfled and was brought to its present desirable form about a hundred and fifty years ago. The varnish is an orange-brown color over a golden base." - William Moenning, 10 July 1969
The table and back of the instrument are double-purfled. The neck is of modern configuration, with the old scroll grafted on. The pegholes have been bushed and realigned.Inscription(s)see marksMark(s)On paper label inside: "Gasparo di Salo / in Brescia"ProvenanceThe instrument's early history is unknown.
John & Arthur Beare (violin dealers, London) purchased the instrument from Mr. North in 1911. Beare sold the instrument to Miss Peacock, who then passed it on to her niece, Mrs. Cromwell, c. 1950. It went from Mrs. Cromwell's estate to William Moenning & Son (of Philadelphia), who sold it to Colonial Williamsburg in 1969.