Stradivari Paintings

Antonio Stradivari, often known as Stradivarius, was an Italian luthier and a crafter of string instruments such as violins, cellos, guitars, violas, and harps. Stradivari is generally considered the most significant and greatest artisan in this field. Born in 1644, in Cremona, a city with a rich history of violin making, he established his workshop there and crafted over 1,100 instruments during his lifetime, with approximately 650 instruments surviving to this day.

Stradivari's violins are renowned for their exquisite workmanship and the quality of sound they produce. While the exact methods and materials he used remain a subject of debate and admiration, it is known that he experimented with different types of wood and varnishes until he found combinations that produced the superior tonal quality his instruments are famous for. His designs have served as an inspiration for instrument makers for centuries.

Stradivari's career can be divided into three periods: the early period, which extends up until the 1680s, where his designs were more in line with his predecessors like Nicolo Amati; the 'golden' period from the 1680s to the early 18th century, during which he crafted his finest instruments; and the late period, where there is evidence of the involvement of his sons, Omobono and Francesco, in his workshop.

Not only did Stradivari improve upon the design and sound of string instruments, but he also made significant contributions to their aesthetic beauty. His violins were often decorated with intricate inlays and varnishes that have deepened in color over time. The name 'Stradivarius' has become synonymous with excellence in craftsmanship, and his instruments are coveted by musicians and collectors alike. They regularly fetch millions of dollars at auctions and are considered priceless cultural artifacts.

Stradivari was married twice, first to Francesca Ferraboschi with whom he had six children, and after her death, he married Antonia Maria Zambelli, having five more children. He continued working until his death in 1737 at the age of 93. Today, the instruments crafted by Stradivari are still played by the top musicians in the world and are seen as the pinnacle of stringed instrument making.