Viola

Robert Horne British

Not on view

This viola is the oldest extant American violin family instrument. The instrument was built by Robert Horne, in New York City, and follows the English model of violin making, which is characterized by high arching on both the belly and the back.

Medium size viola; top (original) is two parts of spruce with wide growth rings, painted purfling, vertically standing F-holes; sides (original): lower sides are divided, not inserted in a groove of the bottom; bottom (original): one part; a quarter of the lower treble bout is a later replacement, done with the reconstruction of the instrument; most of the heel is replaced; painted purfling.

Viola, Robert Horne (British, active United States ca. 1767–1773), Wood, American

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Viola, Robert Horne (British, active United States ca. 1767–1773), Wood, American
Viola, Robert Horne (British, active United States ca. 1767–1773), Wood, American

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