This viola has not been cut down to the modern standard and, despite damage, is more or less intact. The tailpiece appears to be original but the matching fingerboard is modern. The base of the neck is branded with a W or an M, probably a mark of ownership that is found on other instruments by the Amati. A link with the Medici family has been suggested without much supporting evidence. It was acquired in Naples in the late 18th century by the diplomat, Sir William Hamilton.

Provenance: Presented by W. E. Hill & Sons.

From Wikipedia

Born in Cremona, Girolamo was the youngest son of Andrea Amati and brother of Antonio Amati. Girolamo worked, probably from 1575, with his brother, in his father’s workshop. With the latter, he refined his construction technique and style. For about ten years, they co-signed their works with their Latinized names: “Antonius & Hieronymus Amati”.

Girolamo slightly increased the size of his instruments, compared to those of his father.

His son, Nicolò Amati (1596-1684), whom he trained in the workshop, was the master of Andrea Guarneri and possibly of Antonio Stradivari and Francesco Rugeri.

Object description
Type: Musical instrument
Location: Ashmolean Museum, Oxford
Material: Wood
Artist: Girolamo Amati (c. 1561-1630)
Date: 1592

Image Details
Date: 28 March 2024
Camera body: iPhone Xs
Lens: Wide Camera 26mm ƒ/1.8
Focal Length: 26mm
Aperture: ƒ/1.8
Shutter Speed: 1/31s
ISO: 400
Licensing: Image of an Ashmolean Museum asset. This image cannot be licensed.