Offered here is a striking late-Victorian cabinet-format photograph of an unidentified young woman posed with her violin and bow, dating to approximately 1895–1898. Seated against a plain studio background, the young musician holds the violin upright beside her face while resting its body against her lap, with the bow extending dramatically across the lower portion of the photograph. Her serious, direct expression and the unusually close composition produce a particularly compelling portrait that stands apart from the more conventional musician photographs of the period. The sitter wears a fashionable dark dress with exceptionally large puffed sleeves, striped trim at the neckline and sleeves, and a light-colored blouse or underbodice. This pronounced sleeve style was at the height of fashion during the middle and latter part of the 1890s and provides the strongest evidence for dating the portrait. A small medallion or award is pinned to her bodice, possibly indicating membership in a school, musical organization or performing group. Her centrally parted hair is drawn back and decorated with a large light-colored ribbon bow. SOLD
THE CABINET CARD GALLERY 
This is my favorite photo here, just beautiful. What eyes!
It is either a violin or a viola, the only visible difference is the size.
Yes, it is a violin. The ‘broach’ she is wearing is actually a watch, as was the fashion in those days.