Verzameling muziekinstrumenten uit de collectie van de componist J.C. Boers: snaarinstrumenten c. 1863 - 1905

This photograph, by Frederik Christiaan Filip Gräfe, documents composer J.C. Boers’s collection of stringed instruments. While the photograph itself is a straightforward document, the instruments it depicts are diverse examples of human ingenuity. Look closely at the variety of forms and the craftsmanship involved in their making. From lutes to violins, each embodies the maker's expertise and skill. Wood selection, carving, shaping, and finishing are all on display, and it's interesting to consider the social context of their production and the labor involved. Stringed instruments such as these were luxury items. Making them required specialized knowledge and a dedicated workshop, so they offer insights into the economy of craft and the hierarchies of taste. This photograph captures not only the material objects but also the cultural significance of music and craftsmanship in society. It reminds us to appreciate the value of skilled labor, and the contribution of crafts to culture.