Violin bow
Date1800-1820 ca.
Place MadeParis, France, Europe
Serial No.none
MarkingsWritten in pencil on underside of slide: Jan. 16th / 67DescriptionThis unsigned violin bow is attributed to François Xavier Tourte, the famous French bowmaker who is credited with the development of the modern violin bow. Tourte began his career as a watchmaker's apprentice before joining his father in bowmaking. His watchmaking skills contributed to the refinement of metal components used in the best violin bows. This bow was once owned by the famous Belgian violin virtuoso and composer Eugène Ysaÿe.
Stick: pernambuco
Frog: ebony; silver ferrule and heel-plate; no lining; mother-of-pearl slide (later)
Adjuster: ebony; two nickel-silver bands; mother-of-pearl eye
Tip plate: ivory with ebony lining
Wrapping: red and white silk, made by Matthew Zeller at the NMM
Grip: none
Dimensions741 mm long
Weight: 62.5 grams
Balance: 25 cm
ProvenanceFrom the collection of Eugene Ysaye, acquired by Witten from Etienne Vatelot, 1963.
Published ReferencesPeter Walls. "Mozart and the Violin." Early Music 20, No. 1 (February 1992): p. 17.
André P. Larson. Beethoven & Berlioz, Paris & Vienna: Musical Treasures from the Age of Revolution & Romance 1789-1848. With essay by John Koster. Exhibition catalog, Washington Pavilion, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, September 12-November 2, 2003. Vermillion: National Music Museum 2003. Page 35.
Credit LineWitten-Rawlins Collection, 1984
Object number03392
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