19th century Italian violin by Luigi Cardi, Verona (certificate by Hieronymus Köstler)

Instruments by Luigi Cardi are rare works of high musical quality, and they are seen as the only known examples of 19th century Veronese violin making. Typical characteristics of Luigi Cardi’s work include the unusual aesthetic of the unconventional tone woods he selected; this is a stylistic flourish of Italian violin making which Luigi Cardi further elaborated and made a personal hallmark. The maple used for the two-piece back features knots and wild flames, giving this violin from approximately 1880/1890 its unique appearance. Even the generally quite evenly-grained spruce of the top has a few small waves around the tailpiece – interesting structures which are effectively accentuated by the bright golden-yellow varnish. Masterful carving in the finest Italian tradition can be seen in the large self-assured scroll, whereas the comparatively high table is rather atypical for an instrument of this provenance and era, indicating influences from the Venetian school. Throughout its some 150 years, it appears to have been played frequently, and traces of use by previous owners (especially on the treble side of the top) are the visible manifestation that generations of musicians have truly appreciated this violin and its outstanding sound. At our atelier for restoration, we carefully set up this rare Luigi Cardi violin and can now offer it in perfect and crack-free condition. We warmly recommend it because of its exceptionally good sound of indubitably Italian character. A certificate of authenticity by Germany's leading expert Hieronymus Köstler is included in the price.