Violin from the School of VUILLAUME, ascribed to Honoré DERAZEY (Darney 1794 - 1883) made in Mirecourt (France) c. 1860.
Two piece table of spruce of medium grain.
One piece back of maple of medium curl.
Double maple overlap purfling and six-lobe leaf appliqués on each corner on the table and the back.
Decoration of the back includes abstract foliate spear-shaped appliqué on upper back below button, and marquetry of different woods scene of castle on lower back surrounded by pointed-arh-shaped double purfling.
Ribs of maple incised in large black letters, painted black :
'VA FVI / VIS SYLVIS DEO / VI MORTUA DULCE (cross of Lorraine)
Rib incription is an abridgement of the latin verse :
'Viva fui in sylvis, sum dura dura occisa securi, dum vixi, tacui, mortua dulce cano'
which translates :
'I was living in the forest, the cruel ax did slay me, living I was mute, Dead I sweetly sing'
Rectangular marquetry of different woods town scene with inlaid brown stained hardwood fillet, crossed lined decoration on the center ribs.
Pegbox terminates in a carved head of an elderly bearded man.
Handwritten paper label in black : Gafpard Duiffo Pruggar / bonamienfis Anno 1516
Length of the back : 365 mm
