Scan 198
Antonio Stradivari, his life and work (1644-1737), 1909
6 lines. Read by computer on 3 September 2026. Printed page 174. See the scan on archive.org.
1CHAPTER VII.
3Stradivari's Varnish.
5It is with considerable diffidence that we approach the much-discussed subject of the varnish used by Stradivari. It is a question which has absorbed, and continues to absorb, no inconsiderable amount of both our time and means. Consequently we are constrained to admit that we feel somewhat reluctant to give open and full expression to our views as to what were the constituents of that incomparable varnish so much admired by all—a varnish which we see not only on the instruments of Stradivari, but also on those of many other Italian makers. We hope, nevertheless, to place the matter before our readers in a truer light than that in which it has hitherto appeared, and thus to dispel much of the mystery in which the subject has been involved by the ever-ready pens and fluent tongues of the many self-constituted authorities. Monthly—nay, weekly—we receive communications on this subject. All think, and some are absolutely convinced, that they have attained to perfect knowledge about the varnish. They have varnished pieces of cigar-boxes, bits of deal, strips of maple, or even a new German or French violin, invariably of the commonest kind, purchased for a few shillings in the white; and they are of opinion that the
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