An exceptional instrument with three centuries of history, and a record-breaking price at auction. On December 16, 2025, the Parisian auction house Artcurial, located in the 8th arrondissement, hosted an exhibition followed by a sale dedicated to remarkable musical instruments. On this occasion, a rare violin crafted by Bartolomeo Giuseppe Guarneri, known as del Gesù, was sold for a total of €2,314,800, including fees. Made between 1727 and 1730, this instrument ranks among the most sought-after pieces from the golden age of Cremonese lutherie.
Under the hammer of auctioneer Stéphane Aubert, this sale drew numerous collectors passionate about rare objects and music. The violin, attributed to one of the most renowned Italian luthiers in history, is just one of more than 150 instruments known worldwide bearing the signature of Guarneri del Gesù, who was active in Cremona between 1698 and 1744.
The instrument up for auction by Artcurial boasts precise measurements: a back length of 353 mm, a upper width of 165 mm, and a lower width of 202 mm. Its head dates back to around 1710 and is attributed to Giuseppe Guarnerius Filius Andreae, the father of Bartolomeo Giuseppe. Three certificates of authenticity have been issued by renowned experts: Peter Biddulph in 2020, Dmitry Gindin in 2021, and John & Arthur Beare in 2023, complemented by a dendrochronological analysis conducted by Versteeg in April 2025.
The instrument comes from the private collection of Philippe Dennery and was passed down to the current owner through inheritance. This transparent and well-documented provenance has significantly heightened interest in this rare piece on the international market.
This auction reaffirms the enduring prestige of Guarneri del Gesù violins in the world of rare instrument sales. Collectors are drawn to these exceptional instruments thanks to their distinctive sound qualities, often described as powerful, emotionally expressive, and remarkably resonant. Musicians frequently highlight these acoustic virtues as key factors in their pursuit of the perfect tone.
This result also highlights the growing appeal of the vintage Italian master violin market, especially in Paris, where Artcurial remains a key player in the world of specialized sales. And for everyone, it’s a great opportunity to see
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