Willem van der SIJDE (SYDE)

SIJDE (SYDE), Willem van der Born circa. 1663 Nieuwekerk Belgium, d. after 1692 Amsterdam Recorded in Amsterdam as a sailor 1684. Active violin maker from 1689 and present in Amsterdam until 1692, although Henley cites one label from the Hague dated 1691. Very large Amati model with broad whalebone purfling, flat arch, although a broad edge channel is slightly restricting. Widely disposed soundholes with emphatic nicks, set low on the body. Edges deeply cut. Large volute to the head with deep fluting and extended throat. Quite coarsely finished. Fine golden-brown semi-transparent varnish. Labels cited by Henley indicate activity in The Hague, and post 1692 in Amsterdam, but these are not confirmed. Willem van der Syde/ fecit �s-Gravenhage 1691 Willem van der Syde / Me fecit in Amsterdam 1702 [NGV]