Sotheby’s London is to host an exhibition of the work of Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume, the leading 19th-century French violin maker, from October 25 to 30, 2012, in conjunction with the bi-annual auction of Musical Instruments on October 30. The exhibition will bring together approximately 20 stringed instruments, including a cello and three violas, and consists primarily of instruments from the world’s two leading private collectors of Vuillaumes – CM Sin and Olivier Jaques.

Inspired by the Italian makers of the 17th and 18th centuries, Vuillaume is renowned as arguably the finest ever copyist. One of his best ‘Messiah’ copies, the 'Saint Paul', will be offered for sale in the Musical Instruments auction on October 30. Modelled exactly on the ‘Messiah’ Stradivarius, the violin is estimated at £100,000-150,000, and comes to the market following Sotheby’s record sale of Vuillaume's 'Cannon' Guarneri copy in March 2012 for £133,250.

Click the first image to launch the gallery below: