An Illustrated Dictionary of Words used in Art and Archaeology / Explaining terms frequently used in works on architecture, arms, bronzes, Christian art, colour, costume, decoration, devices, emblems, heraldry, lace, personal ornaments, pottery, painting, sculpture, &c., with their derivations.

by John W. Mollett

Fig. 689. Viola da Gamba.

Viola da Gamba. An instrument closely resembling the modern violoncello. (See Fig. [689].)

Viola d’Amore, It. An obsolete species of violin producing a very sweet and peculiar tone by an arrangement of metal wires vibrating in unison with the gut strings.

Violet is a combination of equal red and blue. It is complementary to yellow. In Christian art, the colour violet or the amethyst, signified love and truth, or passion and suffering.

Violet Wood. A turnery wood of Guiana, the produce of Andira violacea.

Violin. This instrument has three gut strings, and a fourth of silver wire. The back, neck, sides, and circles are generally made of sycamore; the belly, bass-bar, sound-post, and six blocks, of deal; the finger-board and tail-piece of ebony. The Hindus claim the invention of the bow, for a period about 3000 years B.C. (See Fiddle.)

Violoncello. A large and deep-toned instrument of the viol kind, the two lowest strings being covered with silver wire.

Violone, It. Contre-basso or double bass; the largest instrument of the violin kind.

Virago Sleeves. A fashion of ladies’ dress in the reign of Charles I., perpetuated in the bishop’s sleeves.