The "Soul of Lyara Schwalbe" Violin
A German Treasure (c. 1850) where Art, Music, and the Human Soul Unite

What happens when a violin with nearly 200 years of history meets a passionate and creative soul? The result is this masterpiece that we are honored to present on Catawiki. More than just a simple instrument, this violin is the materialization of a life's journey, an explosion of art, and a symbol of love and resilience.

Lyara Schwalbe, an artist whose work is a celebration of life, has entrusted us with the mission of finding a new guardian for this extraordinary piece. She believes that the beauty of an instrument lies not only in its sound but in the story it carries and the soul that touches it. And this story is as rich as its melody.

The Instrument: A Jewel Rescued from Time

Origin and Age: Of German origin, dated from 1800 to 1850, this violin possesses a quality and nobility that echo through the centuries. According to the evaluation of the renowned luthier Cristiano Mannes, the excellence of the woods—European spruce for the top and European maple for the body—is a living testament to its historical and sonic value.

Condition and Maintenance: This treasure is in perfect condition, tuned and ready to enchant. The bridge, masterfully adjusted by Cristiano Mannes, and the fine tuners from the prestigious German brand Wittner ensure a flawless tuning experience.

The Song of the Soul: When Jewelry and Art Meet Music

This violin has been transformed by Lyara into a living canvas, where every detail tells a part of her story.

Jeweled Micro-Tuners: An exclusive creation by Lyara Schwalbe and Won Jewelry adorns the Wittner micro-tuners. These are delicate jewels, forged in .925 silver and plated with 18k gold, that elevate the instrument to an unparalleled level of beauty and exclusivity. The fusion of jewelry with music is a symbol of the luxury and passion the artist dedicated to this project.

Etchings of Memory: The top of the violin is a tapestry of carved memories. Lyara reinterpreted photographs from her trip to Italy, transforming the Piazza del Popolo, the Colosseum, and the Vatican into a map of her emotional journey.

A Message on the Back: On the back of the instrument, artistic arabesques inspired by her photographs intertwine with the phrase that is the essence of her life philosophy: "LIFE WILL ALWAYS BE A GREAT GIFT" (in Italian: La vita sarà sempre un grande dono).

A Story of Passion and Overcoming Adversity

The history of this violin begins with Lyara's search for an instrument that would resonate with her soul. After a family loss, a trip to Rome and the moving sound of a street violinist in Piazza del Popolo were the catalyst for a profound change. The violin became a refuge, a way to express life, pain, and joy.

This violin is proof that art knows no bounds and that true beauty lies in the passion and story we give to objects. Whoever acquires this piece will not just be buying a musical instrument, but becoming the guardian of an inspiring story, a rare jewel, and a work of art that overflows with soul.

Additional Information and Seller's Notes:

The violin is in perfect working condition.

Case: It comes with a rigid, high-quality case, approximately 30 years old. While not the violin's original case, it offers superior protection, helping to maintain its tuning and ensuring the instrument's safety during transport and storage.

The lot includes the violin with its exclusive jewels and a detailed documentation of its history and artistic intervention.

Shipping will be secure, insured, and tracked worldwide.