This striking violin, made by Primo Contavalli in Imola during the 1950s, is a compelling example of his personal and modernist approach to violin making. Loosely inspired by the style of Guarneri ‘Del Gesù’, the model carries strong personality and expressiveness, yet diverges into a bolder, more architectural aesthetic.

The instrument features a two-piece maple back with a gentle, well-matched flame and a top carved from Italian spruce of fine and consistent grain. Its visual character is shaped by elongated, angular corners and a crisp outline, all highlighted by a clear, transparent varnish that enhances the precision of Contavalli’s craftsmanship.

One of the most distinctive features of this violin lies in its ornamental purfling—finely inlaid lines beneath the tailpiece and fingerboard, and decorative rings around the pegs at the scroll. These are elegant, almost graphic accents that speak to Contavalli’s modern sensibility and artistic confidence.

This violin blends a strong tonal voice with a unique visual identity, standing as both a reliable performance instrument and a captivating artistic statement for musicians and collectors seeking individuality with Italian roots.