Scan 52
Antonio Stradivari, his life and work (1644-1737), 1909
8 lines. Read by computer on 3 September 2026. Printed page 28. See the scan on archive.org.
1completion), in writing of Stradivari, states that he used a label about 1666 bearing the words "Alumnus Nicolai Amati"; and M. Chanot-Chardon, the well-known Parisian luthier, tells us that he recalls having seen in the possession of his father an autograph label bearing the following statement by Stradivari: "Made at the age of thirteen, in the workshop of Nicolò Amati." Unfortunately this interesting document is not now to be found.
3Piccolellis, in his genealogy* of the Amati family, throws no light upon the connection of Stradivari with his master, although in certain of the archival documents which he publishes Andrea Guarneri and others are mentioned as inmates of Nicolò Amati's house. The absence of the names of Ruger, Rogeri, and Stradivari is possibly to be accounted for by these not having been indoor apprentices—i.e. they did not live and board with their master, and therefore did not figure in the return of the members of the household.
5Now, we have searched long for the label mentioned by Lancetti, and have also consulted many of our colleagues, but always with the same negative result: no one had ever heard of its existence. We had at length given up hope of any success, when during a visit abroad we were fortunate enough to have a violin submitted to us which we recognised as an early work of Stradivari, and great indeed was our pleasure and surprise when, on deciphering its original label, we found the words: "Alumnus Nicolai Amati, faciebat anno 1666." Here, then, was the long-sought-for confirmation of Lancetti's statement, proving by unquestionable documentary evidence (see reproduction of label, Chapter IX.) the fact that Stradivari was the pupil of Nicolò Amati. It is curious to note that in the very next year, 1667 (see label), Stradivari makes no mention of
7* "Liutai Antichi e Moderni," Firenze, 1886.
The computer misreads some letters and numbers. Where a name matters to you, read the scan.