Emile Mennesson violin, France 1890

This fine, late nineteenth century French violin was made in the workshop of Emile Mennesson, who recruited an elite core of luthiers to create over 3000 high-quality violins, violas and cellos under the conjoint names of Mennesson and Guarin. Over the years, these instruments won a number of medals and citations. Finished with Mennesson’s distinctive golden red-brown varnish, this violin, numbered 2441, boasts a beautifully flamed one-piece maple back. The model is based on Stradivari but its elegant, elongated corners and stylishly-carved “f” holes give it an attractive point of difference. The tone is vibrant, with resonance, clarity and depth.