Christie’s Spring Sale Of Fine Musical Instruments will be held on April 26, 2012 in New York. Among 109 lots, mostly classical instruments and impressive bows, there will be some rare examples created by master craftsmen, François Xavier Tourte and Jean Baptiste Vuillaume. We single out some most interesting examples of bows and violins:
The most significant piece of the bows section is a gold and ivory- mounted violin bow from 1849, created by Jean Baptiste Vuillaume in Paris. Estimate: $70,000-$120,000. This special bow pays tribute to the renowned violinist, guitarist and composer, named Niccolo Paganini, and it has his likeness carved in bas-relief. Vuillaume, who was a revered French violin maker and dealer followed the bow making techniques of another master craftsman Francois Xavier Tourte, and employed and mentored the most distinguished artisans of the craft to ensure that the bows created in his workshop were as admired as the violins.
Gold and Tortoiseshel Mounted Violin from 1820-25 bow by French Clockmaker, François Xavier Tourte
A gold and tortoiseshell-mounted violin from 1820-25 bow by French clockmaker, François Xavier Tourte. Estimate: $150,000 – $250,000. This bow is a quintessential example of the form revolutionized by Tourte. Tourte modernized the structure of the bow to meet the demands of the changing musical styles of the 19th century, allowing musicians to play more varied repertoires in larger venues.
Among a varied selection of stringed instruments we single out: a Venetian violin by Domenico Montagnana, which was created in circa 1740 and will be available for auction at an estimated price of $200,000- $300,000. One more notable stringed instrument is a Mantuan violin by Pietro Giovanni Guarneri which is estimated to fetch around $250,000-$350,000. A French violin by Nicolas Lupot, known as the ex-spohr, is also featured (estimate: $60,000-80,000). An instrument with noteworthy provenance, the ex-Spohr is traditionally believed to have once been the primary instrument of German violinist, composer, and conductor Ludwig Spohr.
Mantuan Violin by Pietro Giovanni Guarneri
Some of exceptional woodwind instrument, that should be mentioned are: Carl Augustin Grenser’s five-keyed boxwood clarinet at an estimated price of $10,000-$15,000. Carl Augustin Grenser is one of the greatest woodwind makers of the 18th century German School. Grenser was also an accomplished musician. His surviving instruments are revered for their exceptional workmanship as well as their intonation and splendid tone. Additional highlights include a classical guitar by Antonio Emilio Pascual Viudes from Buenos Aires, 1924 (estimate: $15,000-$25,000), a flamenco guitar by Domingo Esteso from Madrid, 1925 (estimate: $3,000-$5,000), and another classical guitar by Manuel Velazquez from New York, 1966 (estimate: $5,000-$7,000).
Christie’s Fine Musical Instruments sale is scheduled for April, 26, 2012 and will be held at Christie’s Saleroom 20 Rockefeller Plaza, New York. [Christie’s]
