Heard you should never cross your legs while you play? Well, this 17th century angel-trombonist, recently added to the Trombone History Timeline, must not have been there for the band director’s lecture. c. 1642—Florence, Italy: Il Volterrano (also known variously…
trombone iconography
The Adoration of the Magi: Another Angel Trombonist
What do trombone history and the Christian adoration of the magi have in common? Well, I came across this painting recently, which has been added to the 17th century trombone history timeline (first half), offering yet another example of an…
In the Details: Trombones on Casparini’s Famous Organ
Posted a much better detail of this trombone sculpture in the 17th century timeline (2nd half). You can even see an extension handle on the trombone. At the bottom is a large detail not included in the timeline. For many…
Headed Backward: Historical Images of Rear-Facing Trombones
I have recently added three more images to the Trombone History Timeline that feature rear-facing trombones. These trombones have sometimes been called over-the-shoulder instruments, a term that works for other brass instruments but is somewhat lacking for trombones: aren’t all…
Trombone History: A Soldier I Will Be
Recently added quite a few images to the trombone history timeline (19th century–1st half, 19th century–2nd half, 20th century) related to the trombone in the military. Here they are, below, along with their captions. As always, for sources, see the…
Quirky Images: Trombone and Worms
It’s not what you think. Jules Worms was a French artist who lived from 1832 to 1914. Both of the below images by him were recently added to the 19th century timeline (2nd half), and both are a bit quirky:…
Trombone History: First Non-Italian Depiction of Trombone
Added the following to the 16th century timeline, possibly the first non-Italian depiction of the trombone. Below the first two images and caption I’m also adding here an image I didn’t include in the timeline–I wider shot that includes the…
Trombone History: Distin Family Brass Quintet
Added the below image and entry the the 19th century timeline (first half). c. 1834—England: A print depicting the Distin Family Brass Quintet, an ensemble known for adopting Adolph Sax’s valve instruments, includes a member holding a slide trombone, indicating…
Trombone History: 16th Century Angel-Trombonist
Added the following image and caption to the 16th century timeline–yet another example of an angel-trombonist, this time going solo. The engraving probably originates from Germany. c. 1570—An engraving by Franz Ignaz Brun from the Nine Muses series features an…
Trombonist-Panhandler in 19th Century France
Added the below image and caption to the 19th century timeline (2nd half). It is not known whether the trombonist fared any better than Joshua Bell did recently in the NY subway, or whether the “poor dog” is in reference…