Giuseppe Guarneri 'filius Andreae', Cremona, c. 1714, the 'Isolde Menges'
Violin: 44788
Labeled, "Joseph Guarnerius filius Andrea fecit Cremona sub titulo S. Teresia 1714."
A collaboration with Giuseppe Guarneri 'del Gesu'.
Back: One-piece cut on the slab of broad irregular curl
Top: of medium to fine grain with f's slightly retouched.
Scroll: plain, possibly by 'del Gesú'
Ribs: cut on the quarter of narrow curl
Varnish: Golden-red
Length of back: 35.3 cm
Upper bouts: 16.7 cm
Middle bouts: 11 cm
Lower bouts: 20.3 cm
Notes:
"This violin is of special interest inasmuch, according to the eminent authority Mr. Alfred Hill, there are distinct signs that Joseph Guarnerius del Gesu participated in its construction, especially the head and that, in fact, the violin might justly be considered as their joint production. This violin for many years bore a label of del Gesu, and was, it is understood, sold as such some time during the last century."Joseph Guarnerius filius Andreæ, The Strad, July, 1937, London
Provenance
| Sold by John & Arthur Beare | |
| in 1937 and until 1984 | Isolde Menges |
| ... | ... |
| in 1984 | Sold by Sotheby's |
| until 1990 | Jacques Français |
| 1990-2013 | Harold A. Parker |
| from 2013 | Australian Chamber Orchestra |
Known players
Mark Ingwersen (ACO)
Certificates & Documents
Certificate: W. E. Hill & Sons, London (1937)
Letter: Alfred E. Hill, London (1937) ". . . a very interesting example of the maker's work inasmuch as certain features -- the head more especially so -- clearly denote the participation therein of del Gesu, consequently, the instrument may justly be regarded as their joint production. . . . Its aspect is certainly picturesque, its construction, first-rate and the varnish, of the finest quality!"- Certificate: John & Arthur Beare, London (1937)
- Certificate: Jacques Français, New York, NY #2905. "Grade: A+". Attrributes the table and scroll to del Gesu.
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References
Four Centuries of Violin Making: Fine Instruments from the Sotheby's Archive, Sotheby's, Sotheby's, Boston (illustrated)- The Strad, July, 1937, London
- The Strad, July, 1937, London (illustrated)
- Sotheby's Important Musical Instruments Auction Catalog, April 5, 1984, London, Sotheby's, Sotheby's, London (illustrated)
- Sotheby's Photo Archive
- The Jacques Français Rare Violins, Inc. Photographic Archive and Business Records, 1844-1998, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC (illustrated)