Serial 2315, among his finest violas at this size
This viola is an exquisite example by Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume, dating back to around 1859 to 1860, bearing Vuillaume's original label, serial number 2315, and the maker's signature and brand inside the back.
One is immediately struck by the precision and clarity of this instrument's sound. The size makes it extremely comfortable to play for any violist and the viola feels very balanced throughout the whole register. It has impressive power and projection, making it ideally suited to a chamber musician or soloist. Despite this power, it offers a wonderful range of colours making it a versatile instrument.
With a body length of 41.5 cm, and widths of 19.8 cm and 24.5 cm at the upper and lower bouts respectively, this viola is not only an instrument of visual beauty but also of remarkable acoustic quality. It is a prime example of Vuillaume's work, and among his finest violas of this size. It combines aesthetic beauty with the rich, nuanced sound that performers seek in a very fine viola. It is in an excellent state of preservation.
Original Vuillaume label from the rue Demours, Ternes workshop, serial number 2315, with the maker's signature and brand inside the back. Documentation available to qualified buyers.
Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume (1798 to 1875) was the leading French maker of the nineteenth century, working in Paris from the 1820s. He built precise copies after Stradivari, Guarneri and Maggini, and his finest instruments are treated as benchmarks of French making.
Viola by Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume, Paris 1860
£450,000 and above
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