Angel Playing Trombone in Renaissance Painting

Just added this painting to the Trombone History Timeline (16th century). Trastevere is a neighborhood in Rome, and this church is said to be one of the primary landmarks of the area. The artist collaborated on paintings in several other churches in Rome, but this painting was the first major project that he carried out on his own. Notice the pairing of instruments.

For 45 more historical pictures of angels playing trombone, see Angel Trombonists Throughout History.

 

1591—Rome, Italy: Artist Ferrau Fenzoni includes an angel playing trombone in a ceiling painting in the chapel of St. Francis in the church of Santa Maria in Trastevere (see lower-middle of below image; public domain) (Schwed, New Drawings by Ferrau Fenzoni).

Two Renaissance Trombones

Just added the below image and caption to the Trombone History Timeline (16th century). It’s a little like playing “Where’s Waldo,” but if you look closely, you’ll see two trombones there (be sure to click on the picture for a larger version).

 

c. 1550—A leaf of various studies by artist Solis Virgit (1514-62) includes 2 trombones (see upper-right and lower-middle of below image—click for larger version; public domain) (Louvre).

German Chancellor Serenades with Trombone

Just added the below image and caption to the Trombone History Timeline (19th Century—2nd half). Another 19th century trombone image using humor/satire.

 

1870-71—Paris, France: A satirical lithograph by caricaturist De La Tramblais shows German Emperor Wilhelm I and Otto von Bismarck with a guitar and trombone, respectively, serenading an obviously unreceptive woman (see below image; public domain) (Victoria & Albert Museum).

London Street Band, 1839

Just added this image and caption to the 19th century timeline (first half). Reproductions of the picture are available here.

 

1839—London, England: A lithograph by George Scharf (the elder) entitled London Street Band includes a trombone (see below image; public domain).

Three Military Trombonists

I recently added the below three military trombone images to their respective timelines: 18th century, 19th century (1st half), and 19th century (2nd half). Not only are they all military subjects, but, although they span roughly a century, they also all feature rear-facing trombones (see here for more rear-facing trombones). The other element of interest for a low brass player is the serpents and ophicleides; I will soon be adding the pictures to the post, Serpent & Ophicleide: History and Images.

 

1781-1854—Amsterdam, Netherlands: Military Music, a catchpenny print produced by Erve H. Rijnders, includes a rear-facing trombone (see below detail; public domain) (Catchpenny Prints of the Dutch Royal Library).

1806—France: An image depicting 7 French military musicians includes a soldier playing a rear-facing trombone (see below image; public domain) (New York Public Library Digital Gallery).

1875-1900—Epinal, France: An image published by Pellerin, entitled French Music (Dragoons), depicts a group of military musicians on horseback, including one playing a rear-facing trombone (see detail and full image below; public domain) (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilization).

Trombones on Triumphal Arch

I just added the picture and entry below to the Trombone History Timeline (18th century).

c. 1800—France: Porte Dauphine, A print by Percier Charles (1764-1838) from Album Fontainebleau, includes at least two trombones (see below image; public domain) (source: Réunion des musées nationaux).

Catchpenny Trombone

I mentioned a catchpenny print in an earlier post, although I didn’t explain the term. Historically, a catchpenny print is an inexpensively-produced image intended for the masses. A number of them contained military characters, including military musicians. Here is another catchpenny print that features trombone, just added to the Trombone History Timeline (19th century—2nd half). For more rear-facing trombones, see this article.

 

1866-1897—The Netherlands: Printer Franciscus Anthonius Beersmans publishes a woodcut, Ten strijde! (“To battle!”), that features several Dutch military musicians, including one with a rear-facing trombone (see image below—click for larger version; public domain) (Catchpenny Prints of the Netherlands Royal Library).

French Infantry Musicians: Serpent, Trombone, and Ophicleide

Today I added the below image and caption to the 19th century timeline (1st half). A couple of things seem noteworthy: 1) a rear-facing trombone is featured and 2) both a serpent and an ophicleide are shown (often the latter is thought of as a replacement for the former, making it somewhat unusual to include both). I will also be adding the image to the serpent and ophicleide history post and the hubpages article on rear-facing trombones.

c. 1825—France: Pellerin, publisher of French popular prints, publishes a print titled Musique d’Infanterie Francaise, which includes a rear-facing trombone (upper-right). Other low brass instruments of interest in the image include a serpent next to the trombone and what is probably an ophicleide on left side of the next row (see below image—click for larger version; public domain) (Paris, Museum of Civilization in Europe and the Mediterranean).