It’s not quite as odd as the title sounds. I just added the below caption and image to the post, Serpent & Ophicleide: History and Images. c. 1790—London, England: An engraving depicts a regiment of Foot Guards in front of…
trumpet iconography
Trombone in Bavarian Abbey
Just added the below image and entry to the Trombone History Timeline (18th century). Interesting visual perspective—and definitely an unorthodox grip if it’s a trombone. c. 1705—Irsee, Germany (near Kaufbeuren): A fresco by Magnus Remy (1674-1734) decorating the ceiling…
Trombone on Organ Shutters
I just added the below image and caption to the Trombone History Timeline (17th century—2nd half). Elsewhere I have posted numerous examples of trombonists perched on organ pipes, but I believe this is the first picture I’ve added with a…
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…
Pick That Thing Up and Play! 23 Trombone Paintings from the 17th Century Low Countries
The Trombone History Timeline features 23 paintings from the Low Countries within the short span of approximately 35 years (1606-c. 1640) that include trombone. They are similar and noteworthy in several respects. Several of the artists, most notably Rubens and…
Paper Serpents
As I mentioned in an earlier post on paper trombonists, an interesting little subset of music history images exists in the form of contemporary 19th-century military figurines. These figurines include military musicians, and, more specifically, serpent players. Although a number…
Paper Trombonists
The popular term paper tiger, indicating something that initially seems threatening but is in reality harmless, does not seem fitting for the trombone in general. If anything, the trombone is musically quite the reverse! There is, however, an interesting collection…
Trombone History: A Soldier I Will Be, Part 2
I’m told that more and more musicians in the job market are turning toward military bands as symphony orchestras struggle in the current financial climate. Interestingly enough, the history of the trombone in military bands actually goes back farther than…
Trombone=Anarchic Press?
Browse through the images in the Trombone History Timeline and you will see that the trombone has had an exceptionally varied symbolism throughout its long history, representing concepts like religion, military, orchestral excess, and musical humor, although anarchic press is one…
Trombone History: Pair of 18th Century Images
Trombone images from the 18th century are somewhat difficult to find, largely due to the fact that the trombone itself was a bit difficult to find during that era. However, I’ve recently added a pair of interesting images to the…