Small Violin 1804 - 1824

This small violin was made by François N. Fourrier Nicolas, probably in France, sometime around the turn of the 19th century. It’s made of various woods: maple for the back, spruce for the front, and ebony for the fingerboard, all held together with animal hide glue. The creation of a violin like this involves a lot of hand work. The shaping of the wood, the delicate carving of the f-holes, and the precise assembly, all require immense skill. The varnish, too, is crucial. It protects the wood, but also affects the instrument’s tone. The construction of a violin isn’t just about the application of technique, though. The maker has to have an understanding of the materials, and how they’ll behave over time. While it’s tempting to think of this object as "high art," it's important to remember that it was also a commodity, made for sale in a market economy. By considering the work and expertise that went into it, we can appreciate its cultural value.