Highlights
Bass-Viol
- Artist
- Joachim Tielke
- Locality
- Hamburg
- Date
- 1691
- Material
- Spruce, canvas, ebony, ivory, tortoiseshell, mother of pearl, tin
- Dimensions
- H. 124.5 cm
- Location
- Gallery 89
- Inventory Number
- Mu 39
- Acquisition
- Assigned from the Royal Collections of the House of Wittelsbach in 1857
- Epoch
- Baroque and Rococo
- Categories
- Musical Instruments
Description
This bass viola da gamba is one of the most magnificent instruments made by Tielke, who was one of the leading instrument makers of his time. The instrument was made for Elector Max Emanuel. This is indicated by two emblematic representations in the elaborate decoration, that are based on a medal commemorating his victories in the Turkish Wars from 1688. Max Emanuel himself played organ, harpsichord, recorder and viola da gamba. However, this example is more of a showpiece, as the acoustic qualities are severely compromised by the rich marquetry. Later, the viola went as a gift to the Palatine branch of the Wittelsbach family and returned to Munich in 1803 after the Mannheim court had been terminated.
You can also find this object in the online collection
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