Images(14)

Bass viola da gamba

Date1740-1760

Maker Unidentified

OriginEurope, Czech Republic, Prague (possibly)

MediumWood, gut, and brass

DimensionsOverall: 49 × 15 1/2in. (124.5 × 39.4 mm) Length of Back: 715mm

Credit LineGift of Cathy Meints Caldwell

Object number2022-157

DescriptionAn altered viola da gamba that retains its original maple body comprising of a two-piece back and table, with inlaid purfling and overhanging edges. The table has two f-holes flanking the bridge of the style more commonly seen on violins and cells. The neck (which is shorter than standard gamba necks) and head are later maple additions, adorned with a carved scroll of a blindfolded human head. The peg box under the scroll is set up for six strings and has six ebony pegs. The neck has a tapered ebony fingerboard with modern gut frets. The tailpiece and end button are later additions, and the end button is the type that can receive an endpin.
InscribedPaper label attached on the inside label reads, LOR E. TOM CARCASSI / In Firenze nell Anno 1740 / All In segna del Giglio