The Oldest Violin in History

Gaudenzio Ferrari: Consort of the Viola da braccio Family

This is the very first portrait of the violin family to appear in history. The ensemlbe consists of two violins, a viola and a violoncello, accompanied by lute and percussion. This exquisite fresco adorning the cupola of the Catherdral of Saronno was made around 1535 by Gaudenzio Ferrari, from Valduggia (Novara), Italy.

Gaudenzio Ferrari: Viola da braccio

 

Hieronimo Da Santa Croce, 1540 (Blato, Korcula, Croatia)