Left: the superimposition of the heraldic emblems and insignia derived from iconographical sources onto the remains of those paintings visible on the back of the cello today.
Right: the derivation of the original design of the body of the violoncello extrapolated from the basic proportions used by Andrea Amati for the construction of his models.
Left: "The King" violoncello by Andrea Amati in the Shrine to Music Museum This instrument has been reduced in size
Right: the projected reconstruction of the original dimensions of that instrument, extrapolated from the methods of geometrical design employed by Andrea Amati and the reconstruction of the figures in the painting on the back of the instrument.
Stages in the construction of the violoncello.
Roland Houël examining another original decorated violoncello
by Andrea Amati, at present in Vienna
updated29.10.2007