Violin

Philip Henry Holmes

1885 · Wood · Musical Instruments

In many cultures around the world, makers have embellished the pegboxes of string instruments with representations of human or animal heads, as can be seen on this fine American folk fiddle. A cross and a garland of flowers carved around the edge of this violin’s back completes its decoration and suggests that the instrument might be memorializing the young girl it depicts.

Artist

Philip Henry Holmes

Date

1885

Medium

Wood

Culture

American

Department

Musical Instruments

Credit line

Purchase, Amati Gifts, 2009