School of Vuillaume viola, Paris, circa 1850

About the Vuillaume school

This viola was made by an anonymous maker in the style of the Vuillaume workshop. Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume was arguably the most important violin dealer of the 19th century, handling many great instruments, such as Stradivari's 'le Messie' amongst others. In addition to his achievements as a dealer, Vuillaume was also a hugely talented maker and marketer of his instruments. His violins are considered to be amongst the greatest ever produced in France, perhaps surpassed in quality only by the instruments of Nicolas Lupot.

This commercial success meant that the Vuillaume workshop had an enormous influence on other makers, both in France and abroad. Many of his workers went on to have successful careers on their own, further spreading the style and standards of this important workshop across the violin making world.

About the viola

This viola was made in Paris around 1850 and closely follows the design of the small violas made in the Vuillaume workshop during this period. The viola is modelled after Stradivari.

The viola has a one piece back of narrow flamed maple with ribs and scroll to match. The front is two pieces of wide-grained spruce and the varnish is an antiqued golden red.

The viola has a length of back of 15 and a quarter inches or 387 mm.

How does it sound?

This is a very even viola with an A string that doesn’t shout above the other strings. It has an unexpectedly large voice for its size and performs incredibly well against larger instruments. This would make a phenomenal viola for a violinist, or for a violist looking to size down without any compromise.

Condition

The viola is in very good restored condition.

More information

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