(back length= 341.2 mm)

         

"This violin is slightly smaller than a standard modern violin, and known as a violino piccolo. It is tuned a minor third higher than standard – ie: Bb, F, C, G instead of the usual G, D, A, E. The tuning and comparatively soft voice of the instrument limit its potential uses in modern performance.

Although still in excellent condition, it has almost inevitably been subject to some of the alterations which changes in violin playing over the centuries have dictated. In particular, the neck is now longer and angled (it would have been straight) and the fingerboard and bridge are both larger than the originals. These alterations, together with various repairs, have been skilfully executed, and Amati’s superb creation, with its original decoration and beautiful tone, is still a marvellous testament to the art of one of the most notable violin-makers of the past."

This violin is of outstanding international historic interest. Not only is it a very rare survivor from the earliest period of violin-making, but it also formed part of the earliest and most famous set of stringed instruments ever made. Amati made a set of thirty-eight decorated stringed instruments consisting of twelve large and twelve small violins, six violas and eight bases for Charles IX’s royal court at Versailles. This example is painted and gilded with the coat of arms of the French court and the King’s own motto ‘Pietate et Justitia’ – Piety and Justice. 

Charles IX was the son of Henry II of France. After Henry’s death Charles succeeded to the throne with his mother Catherine de Medici acting as regent until Charles came of age in 1563 at the age of thirteen. Catherine de Medici was a Florentine, the daughter of Lorenzo de Medici, Duke of Urbino. It is known that when Catherine married King Henry II of France, she brought with her musicians and dancers from Italy, and no doubt, knowledge of Amati's reputation?

Rare surving examples from this famous set of stringed instruments include: two small violins (Tullie House Museum & the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford), one large violin (Cremona), one tenor viola (Ashmolean Museum, Oxford) and four cellos (National Music Museum and private collections)."

[Blockquote ref. Tullie House Muesum]