Tenor viola or violoncello piccolo 1677

This tenor viola was made by Hendrik Aerninck, though we do not know when. A violoncello piccolo was generally used to play the high cello parts in the Baroque period. While we cannot be sure of the exact date of its making, we can see that it is the product of a society that highly valued music. The rise of opera houses and concert halls created a demand for skilled musicians and fine instruments. This viola, with its carefully carved headstock, speaks to the craftsmanship and artistry that went into creating musical instruments for both amateur and professional musicians. Moreover, the culture of the era placed a high value on both the visual and auditory, resulting in the creation of beautiful objects that also produced beautiful sounds. To fully understand the place of such instruments, scholars study musical scores, instrument-making techniques, and the social history of music. Ultimately, the significance of this viola lies not only in its form but in the cultural values that it represents.