Violin
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
- 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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