A Violin by Jean Baptiste Vuillaume

A powerful and characterful violin by Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume, made in Paris circa 1845 and modeled after Guarneri del Gesù—the model most sought after in Vuillaume’s oeuvre and among the most desired by players today. In this period, Vuillaume was working at the height of his abilities, producing instruments that unite French precision with an unusually convincing grasp of the great Italian originals.

This violin is built on a del Gesù-inspired concept that prioritizes breadth, immediacy, and a focused core of sound, offering a direct, responsive feel under the bow with the capacity for brilliance when pushed. It is an instrument designed for serious performance: quick to speak, richly colored, and capable of carrying in a hall.

Especially notable is the head, which shows a rare sensitivity to del Gesù’s temperament and working philosophy—bold, purposeful, and alive with character rather than “over-corrected” refinement. That kind of understanding is difficult to imitate from photographs or secondhand descriptions; it reflects the perspective of a maker with Vuillaume’s extraordinary eye and access. As a leading dealer and connoisseur, Vuillaume handled and studied numerous authentic Guarneri instruments, and this violin benefits from that direct reference point in a way few makers could claim.

A compelling opportunity to acquire a prime mid-century Vuillaume on his most coveted model—an instrument of authority, personality, and unmistakable presence.

Available by appointment in New York City.