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News Topic of 02-20-1999 |
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Mr. Charles Beare, current President of the "International Society of Violin and Bow Makers," issued the following Communiqué, dated December 18th, 1998: |
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In recent days, various statements have been made in the press in Germany, the Netherlands and Switzerland, which call for correction: |
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The violin under question was sold by Genevan violin maker Pierre Vidoudez, not to a Swedish businessman, but to the current owner, a Swiss musician from Zürich. Pierre Vidoudez died, aged 87 years on 19th July, 1994. Neither was he mentally incapacitated, nor did he burn all documents; in fact they still exist. |
| According to these documents the violin came to Pierre Vidoudez relatively shortly before 1972 via violin maker Pierre Claudot from Marseille, to be sold on behalf of the descendants of a wealthy German family. The violin had been purchased many years previously by this family, on the recommendation of Misha Elman. |
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In addition, the instrument appeared in 1972 in 'Violin Iconography of Antonio Stradivari' by Herbert K. Goodkind, registered under the name 'Shoofs'. This provenance is a known fact, available to all and is a further indication that nothing is being kept in the dark. |
| We knew and esteemed Mr. Pierre Vidoudez as an honorable colleague of the utmost integrity. He was a founder member of the above Society and a very highly respected personality in the violin world. Therefore, it is most unpleasant to us to be informed that the certificate of authenticity he then issued ('in all essential components, a complete and genuine instrument of Antonius Stradivarius…'), has not been confirmed in accordance with today's knowledge of craftsmanship of this great Master from Cremona, by any recognized expert. However, we are convinced that Mr. Vidoudez issued his certificate in 1972 in good faith and with absolute confidence. |
| It was the auctioneer's duty to verify whether there were any dissenting opinions as to the authenticity of the instrument offered by him for sale. Unfortunately either he or Mr. Rieu, or both persons together, decided to conduct the auction with maximum publicity. When doubt about the instrument's authenticity emerged after the auction, Mr. Bongartz advised Mr. Rieu to withdraw from purchase. This decision, which was published in several newspapers, has nothing to do with alleged uncertain origins of the violin, but is linked solely to the fact that today's experts agree that at least some essential parts of the violin did not originate from the hand of Stradivarius. |
| It is known that the question of ownership of former Jewish possessions is a very sensitive issue nowadays. Quite rightly, uncertain cases are investigated, so that where necessary and if possible, any wrong done may be corrected. Where and from whom Mr. Bongartz enquired about Vidoudez company documents is unknown to us. The fact remains that no information was sought from the daughter of the Genevan violin maker by Mr. Bongartz. This strengthens the impression that the research carried out - if any - was most inadequate, and leads to the conclusion that allegations expressed are highly questionable and quit improper. |
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We request you to take account of the above and thank you for your attention. |
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Signed: Charles Beare Signed: Roland Baumgartner President Swiss Delegate |
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3917 W. Touhy Ave. Lincolnwood/Chicago, Illinois, 60645-1027, USA --- E-mail: freuter @ fritz-reuter.com |