Violin

The stylistic features of this violin’s craftsmanship have been identified as typical of the Cremona area. The body, which includes a maple back, poplar ribs and a spruce sound board, have most likely been made by a lute maker from Nicola Amati’s school. Instead, the headstock, which includes the pegbox and the scroll, and the related inserted neck are not originals but were produced in the early 1700s. The instrument has been subjected to several restoration works at least by three different people. The sound board has suffered the most invasive interventions, particularly the edge on the inside has been fully reinforced and an internal reinforcement that entirely covers the central part has been applied. Natale Gallini said that this violin belonged to the Belgian musician and collector César Thomson (1857-1931), the last owner before it was added to the Museum’s collection.