An apprentice of the great Nicolò Amati, Andrea Guarneri was the most prolific maker of the celebrated Guarneri family, establishing a tradition that would extend through several generations. In his later years, he was assisted by his sons, Giuseppe ‘filius Andræ’ and Pietro of Mantua. Both sons went on to establish distinguished careers of their own.
This violin dates from the late 1670s, a period widely regarded as Guarneri’s finest and most mature. The instrument has a focused, clear sound, with a beautiful sonority in the bass register and a singing treble.