Violin by Nicolo Amati, Cremona, 1662
Object type
instrument
Acknowledgement
Bequeathed by John Rutson,
Description
Stringed instrument: Violin by Nicolo Amati, Cremona, 1662
This Nicolo Amati violin of 1662 is a well-preserved and beautiful example. The model for it was Nicolo's largest and most favoured instrument, known as the "Grand Amati", first encountered on the violin made for the brothers Amati in 1629. This design was one of his greatest achievements, providing the basis for both Antonio Stradivari's and Guarneri del Gesu's later developments. Its bolder dimensions are today considered ideal.
In Amati instruments the edge is hollowed markedly before rising gently up to the arching inside the purfling line - a characteristic which is sometimes more exaggerated in Nicolo's instruments of the 1640-50 period than in those of his father or grandfather. Although adequate for the tonal requirements of the time, this type of arching restricts the vibration in the table and provides a rich but not powerful sound. This important detail was improved by Nicolo during the 1660s and later by his son Girolamo, whose fuller archings increase the vibrating area of the plates as well as the depth and reserves of tone.
On this violin the corners are less elongated than on earlier Amati instruments; the purfling is distinguished by broader black strips, and is inlaid with great precision, reinforcing the flowing curves of the outline. The lower wings of the soundholes are long and tapering. In common with all other classical makers, Nicolo drilled the perfectly formed finial circles with a special cutting tool.
The head is finely carved and compact, while it is clear that the slightly worn chamfers around the volutes were originally heavier than on the 1629 "Brothers" violin. Typically, the head wood is of a plainer cut than that of the back, which here is of tightly figured quarter-sawn maple. Its appearance is greatly enhanced by the reflective satin-textured honey-brown varnish.
© David Rattray
This Nicolo Amati violin of 1662 is a well-preserved and beautiful example. The model for it was Nicolo's largest and most favoured instrument, known as the "Grand Amati", first encountered on the violin made for the brothers Amati in 1629. This design was one of his greatest achievements, providing the basis for both Antonio Stradivari's and Guarneri del Gesu's later developments. Its bolder dimensions are today considered ideal.
In Amati instruments the edge is hollowed markedly before rising gently up to the arching inside the purfling line - a characteristic which is sometimes more exaggerated in Nicolo's instruments of the 1640-50 period than in those of his father or grandfather. Although adequate for the tonal requirements of the time, this type of arching restricts the vibration in the table and provides a rich but not powerful sound. This important detail was improved by Nicolo during the 1660s and later by his son Girolamo, whose fuller archings increase the vibrating area of the plates as well as the depth and reserves of tone.
On this violin the corners are less elongated than on earlier Amati instruments; the purfling is distinguished by broader black strips, and is inlaid with great precision, reinforcing the flowing curves of the outline. The lower wings of the soundholes are long and tapering. In common with all other classical makers, Nicolo drilled the perfectly formed finial circles with a special cutting tool.
The head is finely carved and compact, while it is clear that the slightly worn chamfers around the volutes were originally heavier than on the 1629 "Brothers" violin. Typically, the head wood is of a plainer cut than that of the back, which here is of tightly figured quarter-sawn maple. Its appearance is greatly enhanced by the reflective satin-textured honey-brown varnish.
© David Rattray
Artist/Maker
Amati, Nicolo, maker
Date made
1662
Classification
woodwork
Technique
joined
Material
maple, spruce, ebony
Object type
| Type | Length | Width | Height | Diameter | Unit (length) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stop | 195 | millimetres | |||
| Neck | 130 | millimetres | |||
| Back | 354.5 | millimetres | |||
| Upper Bout | 167 | millimetres | |||
| Middle Bout | 111 | millimetres | |||
| Lower Bout | 207.5 | millimetres | |||
| Back (with caliper) | millimetres | ||||
| Upper Bout (with caliper) | millimetres | ||||
| Middle Bout (with caliper) | millimetres | ||||
| Lower Bout (with caliper) | millimetres | ||||
| Total String Length | 328 | millimetres |
Accession No
2002.319
People
Amati, Nicolo, maker
Gallery
Museum
#tbt the Duke’s Hall, c.1913, from our #museum collections. https://t.co/FBmn68LCED https://t.co/BblDNoIj16
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