Ten times upper estimate at Amati auction yesterday

[______]

Hi folks.

Just in case any of you care yesterday's auction brought a little thriller with lot 108 estimated 4-6k pounds.

The battle for it ended at 60k pounds hammer price.

Congrats to all involved.

https://app.amati.com/en/auction/1123-amati-specialist-25th-june/108-a-violin-by-marcin-groblicz-krakow-seventeenth-century

 

[Pen]

A very interesting violin.

Is it because of its historical value as an authentic work of the maker? 

It would be a delight if it were to be exhibited in Poland.

[IBK]

Looks like a bad sound post crack on the back as well as numerous cracks to the top.  Now I know where to sell all of my old cracked up boxes.

[Shelbow]

1 hour ago, IBK said:

Looks like a bad sound post crack on the back as well as numerous cracks to the top.  Now I know where to sell all of my old cracked up boxes.

It's not in the greatest condition no, but it would be considered an item of cultural importance in Poland.

It's also an example of some of the oldest violin making outside of Italy.

[match]

Yes, even though the Polish school of violin making remained regionally confined and never gained international renown, this instrument can nevertheless be considered a culturally significant document—both of the founder of that school and of a national cultural identity—of which very few examples have survived. Although its condition is indeed extremely regrettable, it would be most welcome if, for instance, a philanthropist were to devote a portion of their resources to acquiring such an item for a museum, thereby helping to ensure its preservation.

[Shelbow]

Having said all that, I was surprised that it went so high, but I'm glad that it did because I think it deserved to be valued as such.

[Sammyo]

I saw it in the auction and I assumed that the 4-6k estimate was already on the basis of its cultural importance and that it would go to a Polish museum.  I wonder if it was 2 of them bidding against each other.

[Mark Caudle]

It is worth remembering that the Groblicz dynasty of violin makers were working at the centre of a very sophisticated and creative musical society that was able to attract some of the best Italian composers of the time such as Marenzio, Scacchi and T. Merula working alongside the Polish composers such as Mielczewski. So only violins of the highest quality would have met the demands of this level of musical performances.

[Blank face]

In any case the violin would deserve a high level restoration, due to it’s rarity and cultural significance. It’s a shame that it was left in this desperate state. I‘m also supposing that there are more soundpost cracked old birdsey bottoms existing than without.

 

[______]

Hi

I've just discovered a great short video made by inestimable Shelbow rearding viewing in person the Groblicz's violin:

 

[______]

Regarding the music here is an example of another XVII Groblicz's sound:

 

 

[Violin216]

I've been following all major auctions for about 5 years now, and I think this is only the second 16th century violin I've seen. Being from Poland, of all places, only makes it the more interesting. I would buy it for the higher estimate in a heartbeat, but of course this was bound to fetch significantly more.

[Stephen Fine]

As long as it's a player the price makes sense.  Very cool violin.

[Dr. Mark]

I agree with Shelbow - it's a beautiful instrument.