Considered one of the two most important violin makers of all time, Giuseppe Guarneri 'del Gesù' was born into a family of Cremonese violin makers in 1698. He trained in his father’s workshop from circa 1714 to 1722, but only began to insert his own labels in violins from 1731 onwards.

This important instrument is from exactly the period which marked del Gesù’s professional independence. The back is made of boldly joined pieces of maple with flames at a dramatic angle. The strong figure of the ribs matches that of the back well. The front and scroll are modern replacements which complement the instrument well.

The sound is warm and has a beautiful sonority.