Tortoise-Shell Violin by Wenzel Kowansk, Vienna before 1749 gold wire
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Wenzel Kowansk
Vienna, before 1749
Tortoise-shell, ivory, gold wire
BL: 35 cm, TL: 57 cm
SAM Inv. No. 638
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Maria Theresia bought this violin, made of rare and translucent tortoise-shell, for the Treasury on March 6, 1749. Wenzel Kowansky, known only as a case maker, produced this show piece probably in cooperation with one of the Viennese violinmakers.

Not of wood, it is unsuitable for playing. It does, however, give a detailed picture of the baroque violin.

The purfling is gold.
The neck, peg box, fingerboard and tailpiece are of ivory inlaid with gold and tortoise-shell.
The bow is of similar construction and along with the violin provides a stunning colour contrast to the red velvet lining of the black leather case.


*The violin is actually housed in the museum in Vienna, Austria