Violist Collection

WILLIAM PRIMROSE (1903-1982). Scottish violist. Pen-and-ink caricature

The Bass Viol Player, 1707. Artist: Picart, Bernard (1673?1733)
The Bass Viol Player, 1707. Private Collection

Saint Cecilia Playing the Viol, c. 1616-1617. Creator: Domenichino (1581-1641)
Saint Cecilia Playing the Viol, c. 1616-1617. Found in the collection of the Musee du Louvre, Paris

Johann Sebastian Bach, German composer, organist, harpsichordist, violist
814013 Johann Sebastian Bach, German composer, organist, harpsichordist, violist, and violinist of the Baroque Period (1685-1750) (engraving) by German School

Johann Sebastian Bach, German composer, organist, harpsichordist, violist
814012 Johann Sebastian Bach, German composer, organist, harpsichordist, violist, and violinist of the Baroque Period (1685-1750) (engraving) by German School

Apollo with cupid. Found in the Collection of Pinacoteca Tosio Martinengo, Brescia

Portrait of a viola player. Artist: Zacchia, Paolo, the Elder (1490-1561)
Portrait of a viola player. Found in the collection of Louvre, Paris

Princess Anne Henriette of France (1727-1752). Artist: Nattier, Jean-Marc (1685-1766)
Princess Anne Henriette of France (1727-1752). Found in the collection of Musee de l Histoire de France, Chateau de Versailles

Paganini. 1895. Niccolo Paganini (1782-1840), Italian violinist, violist, guitarist, and composer. From The Musical Educator, Volume V by John Greig, M.A. Mus. Doc. [T. C. & E. C

King Rene and his Musical Court, 15th century, (1870). Artist: Firmin, Didot & Co
King Rene and his Musical Court, 15th century, (1870). A miniature from the breviary of King Rene, in the Arsenal Library, Paris

German musicians, 16th century, (1870). Artist: Jost Amman
German musicians, 16th century, (1870). A wood engraving of musicians playing on the violin and bass viol. A wood engraving from The Arts of the Middle Ages and at the Period of the Renaissance

Niccolo Paganini, Italian violinist, violist and composer, 1830s. Paganini (1782-1840) is one of the most famous violin virtuosi, and is considered the greatest violinist who ever lived

Frank Bridge, English Composer and Violist
Portrait of English musician Frank Bridge (1879-1945). Date: 1923

REBNER QUARTET, c1910. German string quartet. Left to right: Johannes Hegar, Ludwig Natterer, Walther Davisson, Adolf Rebner. Early 20th century photograph

THE BROUSIL FAMILY, 1859. A Bohemian family of traveling musicians. Wood engraving, English, 1859

VIOLA D AMORE, 1723. Copper engraving, 1723, by Arnold van Westerhout

CELLIST, 1883. Dutch cellist Joseph Hollman (1852-1927) playing a nocturne. Wood engraving, English, 1883

DOUBLE-BASS VIOL, 1723. A double-bass viol, correctly shown with six pegs but only four strings. Copper engraving, 1723, by Arnold van Westerhout

LÔÇ░NER STRING QUARTET. Hungarian string quartet. Left to right: Jeno L ner, Josef Smilivitz, Sador Roth
LÔÇ░NER STRING QUARTET. Hungarian string quartet. Left to right: Jen├ L© ner, Josef Smilivitz, Sador Roth, Irme Hartmann. Pencil drawing, early 20th century

BRUSSELS STRING TRIO. Left to right: Edmond Bouquet, Franzois Broos, Adolphe Fr zin. Pencil drawing, early 20th century
BRUSSELS STRING TRIO. Left to right: Edmond Bouquet, Fran├ºois Broos, Adolphe Fr© zin. Pencil drawing, early 20th century

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The violist, a master of the bass viol, has been an integral part of the music world for centuries. From renowned artists like Johann Sebastian Bach and Niccolo Paganini to lesser-known figures like Frank Bridge and Princess Anne Henriette of France, the violist's influence spans across time and borders. In Bernard Picart's masterpiece "The Bass Viol Player, " we are transported to 1707, where a skilled musician passionately plays his instrument with grace and precision. The engraving captures the essence of Baroque music, showcasing Bach himself as not only a composer but also an organist, harpsichordist, violinist, and violist. Paolo Zacchia takes us even further back in time with his portrait of a viola player from the Renaissance era. This depiction reminds us that the artistry of playing this unique instrument dates back centuries before Bach's time. Apollo with cupid adds a touch of mythology to our exploration of the viola. As Apollo was known as the god of music among other things, it is fitting that he would be associated with this versatile stringed instrument. Moving forward in history again, we encounter Jean-Marc Nattier's portrayal of Princess Anne Henriette of France. Her elegant presence highlights how even royalty appreciated and participated in musical endeavors involving the viola. Jost Amman's illustration brings us into 16th-century Germany where German musicians showcase their talents on various instruments including viols. It serves as a reminder that throughout history there have always been virtuosos who dedicated themselves to mastering this complex instrument. Niccolo Paganini stands out amongst these virtuosos due to his exceptional skills as both a violinist and a violist. His talent during the 1830s left audiences awestruck by his technical prowess on both instruments. Frank Bridge represents more recent times when English composers embraced not only traditional forms but also explored new possibilities for expression.