40ft boat in the shape of a giant VIOLIN launches in Venice

A boat in the shape of a giant violin, built as an homage to people who have died from COVID-19, had a test voyage in Venice on Friday as a cellist played on the deck.

'Violin of Noah' was created during the pandemic by artist Livio De Marchi in collaboration with the Venice Development Consortium.

The artist, known as the Carpenter of Venice, has produced many floating sculptures including a wooden Ferrari.

A cellist in an evening gown perched on the violin's bridge during the test.

The boat, reported to be 12 meters or 40 feet in length and four metres wide, will ultimately carry an ensemble playing music as it sails on the lagoon city's Grand Canal.

Although already having been placed in the water, the violin-shaped vessel will officially be launched in September and will sail around the city.  

Reference: Sam Baker For Mailonline