The Oldest Violin in History

violin Renaissance

Gaudenzio Ferrari: Consort of the Viola da braccio Family

This is the very first portrait of the violin family to appear in history. The ensemlbe consists of two violins, a viola and a violoncello, accompanied by lute and percussion. This exquisite fresco adorning the cupola of the Catherdral of Saronno was made around 1535 by Gaudenzio Ferrari, from Valduggia (Novara), Italy.

violin Renaissance

Gaudenzio Ferrari: Viola da braccio


violoncello Renaissance

Gaudenzio Ferrari: Violoncello


Violin 1540 - Da Santa Croce


Violin 1540 - Da Santa Croce

Hieronimo Da Santa Croce, 1540 (Blato, Korcula, Croatia)

(More text to come...)

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updated 21.11.2007