1720 Brescian Viola Reported Stolen in Hamburg

The viola and its bow went missing on the evening of July 4, 2024, in Brasserie Carls, Hamburg

The 1720 Brescian viola was last seen in the evening of July 4–5, 2024, between 11:30 PM to 12:15 AM at the Brasserie Carls restaurant in Hamburg, Germany. 

Labeled “GAETANO PASTA fecit Brescia 1720,” the viola was in a Red TONONI case; the viola bow is labeled “Knopf – BERLIN.”

The size of viola’s body is 44.1cm with distinct Italian features. The viola is rather large, and very rare in that it hasn’t been cut down as most violas were from the 18th century. 

Additionally, the back of the instrument has two little wooden nail-like buttons — one above the brass chin rest support, and the other is just under the neck. The viola has sharp corners, resembling the crafting style of the Venetian school.

The viola also features orange varnish on an amber-colored background, and was recently supplied with a carbon fiber sound-post (visible to specialists through the f-holes), which is quite distinctive.

Further dimensions of the instrument include around 21cm for the upper width, 16.5cm for the width in the middle, and around 22.5cm for the lower width. 

The stolen viola has been reported to authorities to the case number 014|1K|455127|2024. The owner is offering a €10,000 award if the viola is found. 

If you have any information about this 1720 Brescian viola, please contact Sascha Bota here.