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Viola

Jacob Stainer Austrian
ca. 1660
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 684
Jacob Stainer is known as the "Father of the German violin" and his instruments were favorites of the Bach and Mozart families. They remained the most sought-after violins and violas in the world until the beginning of the 19th century. Stainer’s instruments are characterized by their very full arching, vertical f-holes with well-proportioned eyes and by their meticulous workmanship throughout.



During the 17th century, violas were true tenor instruments with large bodies and often had tall ribs. As repertoire became more demanding, makers built smaller violas and cherished old instruments were cut down. This viola is one of the few surviving from the 17th century that has not been reduced in size.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Viola
  • Maker: Jacob Stainer (Austrian, Absam ca. 1617–1683 Absam)
  • Date: ca. 1660
  • Geography: Absam, Austria
  • Culture: Austrian
  • Medium: Spruce, maple, blackwood
  • Dimensions: Height (of body, excluding neck): 17 3/16 in. (43.7 cm)
    Width (of body at widest point): 10 3/16 in. (25.8 cm)
    Depth (of ribs at widest point): 1 7/8 in. (4.7 cm)
  • Classification: Chordophone-Lute-bowed-unfretted
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Robert Alonzo Lehman Bequest, Fletcher Fund, 2012 Benefit Fund and Beatrice Francais Gift, 2013
  • Object Number: 2013.910
  • Curatorial Department: Musical Instruments

Audio

Cover Image for "A Set of Tunings" by Thomas Baltzar (1630-1663). Performed by Peter Sheppard Skærved on a viola made by Jacob Stainer, ca. 1660 at The Metropolitan Museum. Recorded in 2022.

"A Set of Tunings" by Thomas Baltzar (1630-1663). Performed by Peter Sheppard Skærved on a viola made by Jacob Stainer, ca. 1660 at The Metropolitan Museum. Recorded in 2022.

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