Literal Translation
Ingres violin
Actual Meaning
One’s passion
Etymology
The expression ‘un violon d’Ingres’ is used to describe an activity that one enjoys doing outside of one’s profession. Ingres, who was a painter and disciple of Jacques-Louis David, liked to devote his free time to playing music. He played so well that he even became second violin in the Capitole orchestra in Toulouse.
The expression ‘avoir un violon d’Ingres’ appeared in the language at the beginning of the 20th century and was then used exclusively to refer to a passion for music. Gradually, the metaphor became more widespread and is now used to describe a person who practises a non-professional activity with a passion.
Thanks to the translator of The Murder Of Roger Ackroyd for this one!