The FBI's Art Crime Team is calling on the public to play a part in the recovery of a stolen piece of history. A rare 1710 Amati violin, with a history spanning over three centuries, was reported stolen from a Los Angeles residence on December 8, 2020, and remains missing.
As announced on Friday, through a post by the FBI Los Angeles office, investigators are stepping up efforts to recover the lost instrument, which represents a part of our collective cultural heritage. The FBI has also listed the stolen violin on their official website, detailing its specific measurements and a call to action for anyone who might have information.
A rare 1710 #Amati #violin was stolen in December 2020. The FBI Art Crime Team in Los Angeles needs your help to find it! Please call 310-477-6565 with information or to claim a #Reward. #FindArtFriday
— FBI Los Angeles (@FBILosAngeles) December 8, 2023
Details: https://t.co/9wnrT1SdTu pic.twitter.com/hJKBy73oep
The violin's precise dimensions are integral to its identification: a length of back measuring 35.3 centimeters, upper bouts measuring 16.8 centimeters, middle bouts measuring 11.2 centimeters, and lower bouts stretching to 20.4 centimeters. These details are critical for verification. The loss of such an artifact is a void in the lineage of musical craftsmanship, as Amati violins are revered for not just their antiquity but the mastery they represent.
The FBI strongly encourages anyone with information on the violin's whereabouts to contact the Los Angeles Field Office at (310) 477-6565. Tips can also be submitted through local FBI offices, the nearest American Embassy, or the Consulate. In their quest to safeguard treasured works, the bureau emphasizes that the public's vigilance is essential, and in this case, it could lead to the recovery of a priceless item that resonates with the legacy of the past.
