On Friday, June 3, 2022, auctioneer Claude Aguttes hammered down a final price of €3.3 million for this exceptionally rare violin, which accompanied Régis Pasquier in the most prestigious concert halls worldwide. Prior to this sale, no Guarnerius "del Gesù" violin had come to auction in the past 10 years, and no Guarnerius from the intermediate period—considered the luthier's peak maturity—had been acquired at auction in the 21st century.

Bartolomeo Giuseppe GUARNERIUS "del Gesù" (1698–1744)
Cremona, 1736
Back length: 351 mm
Result: €3,385,000

 

« This violin was seen and examined by renowned musicians who attended the exhibition. The whole world was aware of this sale, and it was a musician who purchased it. One of the seller's wishes was for the instrument to continue to be played, and that is indeed the case. I am delighted » said Claude Aguttes, auctioneer.

€3.3 Million for the First Guarnerius from the Intermediate Period Auctioned in the 21st Century

Crafted in Italy in 1736 by the legendary Bartolomeo Giuseppe Guarnerius, known as "del Gesù," this exceptionally rare instrument, originating from Cremona, the cradle of luthiery, fetched €3.3 million under the hammer of Claude Aguttes. The "Pasquier" violin belongs to the intermediate period, which includes some of the most captivating works of this prestigious luthier. For the first time in the 21st century, a Guarnerius from the luthier’s period of full maturity (1733–1740) was offered at auction.

Bartolomeo Giuseppe Guarnerius, known as "del Gesù," and Stradivarius are regarded as the two greatest luthiers of all time. More than 650 Stradivarius instruments have survived, compared to only about 150 Guarnerius violins.

Régis Pasquier recalls the profound revelation of the "del Gesù’s" extraordinary sound power during a testing session at the Salle Gaveau, among a selection of eight famous violins. From the very first contact between the bow and the strings, the resonance of the wooden body stood out, projecting the sound significantly farther, making it ideal for large concert halls. "This instrument plays itself; it offers exceptional resonance," said the musician.

By parting with his violin, Régis Pasquier aimed primarily to pass it on to the next generation. The artist emphasized the respect such an instrument deserves and believed it was time to hand it over to a musician who would continue to bring it to life. His greatest wish was fulfilled when his cherished companion was acquired by a violinist.

German-American musician David Garrett won the violin at auction on June 3, 2022. The forty-year-old violinist expressed his excitement: "I am thrilled to now own two wonderful instruments, a 1716 Stradivarius and a 1736 'del Gesù,' which I will play in all my upcoming classical concerts."