Medici tenor viola

[1][2] The instrument was made in Cremona in 1690, and so far as is known, it has remained in Tuscany since it was delivered to the Medici court.

There were originally two violas in the Medici set, the other being an alto: the two instruments appear to have become separated in the late 18th century.

Since the 19th century the tenor viola has belonged to Florence's conservatory, the Conservatorio Luigi Cherubini, which acquired a collection of musical instruments from the time of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany.

[3] The tenor viola is on display in the Museo degli strumenti musicali, accessed via the Galleria dell'Accademia,[4] which is best known as the home of Michelangelo's David.

[5] The set of instruments in Madrid known as the Stradivarius Palatinos originally included a tenor viola.