Our #ThrowbackThursday instrument is the magnificent “King” cello.
Made in the mid-16th century by Andrea Amati this stunning cello was one of 38 instruments made for King Charles IX of France. The instrument is painted in the style of Limoges porcelain, and like all instruments belonging to the royal court, it carries the fleur-de-lys emblem of the French royal household.
Sadly, despite this being one of 38 commissioned at the time, together with the many others produced during his lifetime, this remains one of only a few remaining Amati instruments. For those wanting to view it in all its glory it is usually on display in the National Music Museum on the campus of the University of South Dakota.
Our cello is a long way from this hand painted masterpiece but has been lovingly hand crafted in the traditional Cremonese way and is modelled on the Ruggieri-type. Click here for more details.