The violin made in Lyon in 1843 by Pierre and Hippolyte Silvestre was acquired for OP Ryhmän Taidesäätiö sr (OP Art Foundation) in January 1994.
The instruments of the Silvestre brothers are extremely highly prized. There are around 350 known instruments of Pierre, the elder brother, and his work achieved a wide reputation and the highest praise for quality in Paris in 1844 and 1855. The input by the younger brother, Hippolyte, into the pair’s work was also significant, and on continuing Pierre’s work after his death, he studied the Italian masters in detail, taking influences from them. 1843, the year that the Silvestre acquired by the Art Foundation was made, was a time of inspiration for violin makers in France: the market for Italian instruments was flourishing. Just over one hundred years had passed since the death of Antonio Stradivari and many of the instruments he built were still practically untouched – perfect examples to study and copy. The Art Foundation’s Silvestre represents the highest quality handwork where every detail has been fashioned precisely, following the methods of Stradivari.
OP Art Foundation’s Silvestre is currently played by Iidamari Ahonen. The violin was previously held by Rebecca Roozeman.
