Viola da Gamba—Pieter Rombouts

Pieter Rombouts (1677-1749), a pupil of Hendrik Jacobs, his stepfather, one of the most renowned Dutch luthiers of the seventeenth century, built this viola da gamba in Amsterdam in the first half of the eighteenth century. The instruments created by Rombouts are highly regarded. Although the early works are comparable to Jacobs', Rombouts would establish his own style.

The viola da gamba first arrived in Europe in the late 15th century and quickly became one of the most popular instruments of the Renaissance, peaking in the seventeenth century. It was popular as a solo instrument until the mid-eighteenth century.

Because of its huge size, this instrument was traditionally played against the lap or between the legs, earning it the Italian moniker "viola da gamba," which translates to "viola on the leg." The violas were made in various sizes to correlate to the various tones of the human voice.

The Viola da gambawas sold on 13th October. 2009 at a world auction at $212,500.

Price: $212,500.