Violin

1885

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 681

In many cultures around the world, makers have embellished the pegboxes of string instruments with representations of human or animal heads, as can be seen on this fine American folk fiddle. A cross and a garland of flowers carved around the edge of this violin’s back completes its decoration and suggests that the instrument might be memorializing the young girl it depicts.

Artwork Details

Overview

Additional Dimensions

Title: Violin
Maker: Philip Henry Holmes (American, Gardiner, Maine 1845–1915 Gardiner)
Date: 1885
Geography: Gardiner, Maine, United States
Culture: American
Medium: Wood
Dimensions: 25 × 8 1/8 in. (63.5 × 20.6 cm)
Classification: Chordophone-Lute-bowed-unfretted
Credit Line: Purchase, Amati Gifts, 2009
Object Number: 2009.418
Curatorial Department: Musical Instruments

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