Viola 1655 - 1665

This is a viola crafted by Jacob Stainer, a master artisan of the 17th century. Notice the curves of the viola's body, forming an elegant, almost human-like shape. This is no accident; musical instruments have long echoed the human form, embedding a sense of life and vitality. Consider the viola's f-holes—those stylized openings that allow the sound to resonate. These are derived from the ancient Greek letter sigma, which itself carries symbolic weight, often associated with summation and harmony. Their presence here elevates the viola from mere object to a vessel of cultural memory. Like the cyclical nature of music itself, the symbolic language of the viola transcends time, resonating with our deepest emotions and cultural understanding.