Bass Viol and Bow, Hendrik Jacobs, c. 1680

wood (plant material), h 122.5cm × w 40cm × d 70cm More details

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.