Woman Playing a Viola da Gamba

Pieter Schenk I (1660-1711) after a painting by Caspar Netscher (1639-1684), mezzotint and engraving, 1675-1711

In the Dutch Republic, music instruction was part of the education of girls and boys from the upper and middle classes and usually took place at home. For women in particular, being able to make music was considered a desirable quality. The viola da gamba in this print has a carved head instead of the now-common curl, as does the actual viola on view in this gallery.

  • Artwork typeprint
  • Object numberRP-P-OB-9325
  • Dimensionsheight 335 mm x width 247 mm
  • Physical characteristicsmezzotint en gravure