Scan 166
Antonio Stradivari, his life and work (1644-1737), 1909
6 lines. Read by computer on 3 September 2026. Printed page 142. See the scan on archive.org.
1played upon it, and was completely captivated: never had I experienced such a passionate longing to possess an instrument. In my despair I called upon a dear friend M. Place, to whom I shall ever owe an eternal debt of gratitude, and poured out my feelings to him. He immediately went with me to Thibout's, came to terms with him, and then and there presented the Stradivari to me. The price paid to Thibout was 7500 francs, = £300, which even at that time was extremely reasonable." We may add that this Stradivari has been Batta's lifelong companion, sharing in, and largely contributing to, his successful career. Tempting offers were made for it, but without avail. The most remarkable was perhaps that of a Russian nobleman, who tendered Batta his signed cheque on Rothschilds, begging him to fill in the figures! The late Duc de Camposelice offered 70,000 francs, and expressed his willingness to increase the offer, but Batta declined to entertain any proposals whatsoever. In 1893 circumstances induced him to alter his decision, and we purchased the instrument on behalf of Baron Knoop. It is now the property of the Hon. Ernest Illingworth Holden.
3The two instruments of the year 1717 and that of 1719 are interesting examples; in fact, as is the case with the violins, all possess that individuality which the hand of genius invariably imparts to its works.
5That of M. Küchler bears the strongest resemblance in wood, varnish and character to the "Batta," but, unfortunately, neither the belly nor the head is original, these parts having been replaced by the Spanish violin-maker Contreras. One is lost in conjecture as to the reason of this drastic course of action, possibly due to trifling damage which could have been easily repaired; in those days, however, the art of restoration was in its infancy. The second example was for some years the property of Mr.
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