Bass Viol and Bow

Hendrik Jacobs, c. 1680

The bass viol was used as a solo instrument or to provide the bass line in chamber music ensembles. Its six strings are played with a bow held underhand. This instrument was made by Hendrik Jacobs, one of the most important 17th-century Dutch violin makers. The Italian term viola da gamba denotes that these instruments were played while resting on the leg.

  • Artwork typebowed instrument, musical instrument, stringed instrument, viola da gamba
  • Object numberBK-2016-98-1
  • Dimensionsheight 122.5 cm x width 40 cm x depth 70 cm
  • Physical characteristicssparrenhout, esdoornhout, darm, zilver

Identification

  • Title(s)

    • Bass Viol and Bow
    • Bass viol

  • Object type

  • Object number

    BK-2016-98-1

Creation

  • Creation

    musical instrument maker: Hendrik Jacobs, Amsterdam

  • Dating

    c. 1680

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Material and technique

  • Physical description

    sparrenhout, esdoornhout, darm, zilver

  • Dimensions

    height 122.5 cm x width 40 cm x depth 70 cm

Acquisition and rights

  • Credit line

    On loan from the Gemeentemuseum Den Haag

  • Copyright

    Public domain

Documentation

    • Andreas Jacobi, 'Jacobs', The Strad (Dec., 2006), p. 72-73 met afb.
    • J.H. Giskes, 'Tweehonderd jaar bouw van strijkinstrumenten in Amsterdam (1600-1800)', Jaarboek van het Genootschap Amstelodamum 79 (1987), p. 56-80: 64-65
    • Wieland Kuijken; Christopher Hogwood, 'Wieland Kuijken & Christopher Hogwood on the Viol', Early Music 6, nr. 1 (Jan., 1978), p. 4-11: 9 met afb
    • Gesina Liedmeier; Michael Latcham, 'Two bass viols labelled John Roos at the Gemeentemuseum, The Hague', The Galpin Society Journal 62, (Apr., 2009), p. 167-181, 198-199: 167, 175, 178, afb. 11

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  • Bass Viol and Bow
  • Bass Viol and Bow
  • Bass Viol and Bow
  • Bass Viol and Bow