Poster Guarneri del Gesù violin, "Plowden" 1735

One of the finest and most acclaimed ‘del Gesù’ instruments in existence, the ‘Plowden’ is striking in its vivid freshness and particularly notable for the intense orange–red varnish on its stunning one-piece back.

'The ‘Plowden’ gives an outsize impression that defies its rather petite dimensions. Several factors combine to create this effect: the very broad-flamed maple back, the substantial thickness of the purfling, the wide-grained top, back arching that quickly rises from the relatively shallow channel, the open f-holes and, above all, the plentiful red varnish that lies with an almost sculptural effect over the undulating flames of the back.’ – Sam Zygmuntowicz in the July 2011 issue