During the baroque era, which spanned from the early 17th to the mid-18th centuries, the violin was still a relatively new instrument, and it was not always used as a prominent part of the orchestra. Instead, other instruments such as the harpsichord, lute, and viola da gamba were more commonly featured.
Nevertheless, violins were used in baroque orchestras, and their number could vary depending on the size of the ensemble and the musical style of the piece being performed. In general, a baroque orchestra might have anywhere from one to four violins, with larger orchestras having a higher number of violins.
For example, a small baroque ensemble, such as a chamber orchestra, might have only one or two violins, while a larger orchestra, such as one that would perform an opera, might have four or more violins. Additionally, some baroque composers wrote specific works that featured a prominent violin solo, such as concertos and sonatas, which would naturally require at least one violin in the orchestra.
Overall, while violins were not as numerous in a baroque orchestra as they are in a modern symphony orchestra, they were still an important part of the ensemble, and their presence contributed to the unique and distinctive sound of baroque music.