Central Italian violin, late 18th century

Italian violins of the 18th century rank among the most fascinating of historical instruments, even in cases such as this one when they cannot be attributed to a particular craftsman. Italian masters are clearly distinguished by their unwavering sense of musical quality, a characteristic that is a key reason for the high esteem in which they are held. This late 18th-century violin from central Italy combines brilliance and warmth in its sound and features a typically Italian undertone that is bright, strong and resonant. With delicate ribboning in the grain, the brilliantly flamed maple back is marked by austere beauty, as is the top, which is made of wide, irregular spruce and has distinctively carved sound holes. The graceful scroll may have been added later, but is also unmistakably Italian in its origin. A few minor repairs have been made to this historical instrument, which is in excellent condition for its age.