Books › Catalog of Rare Old Violins, Violas and Violoncellos: Also Bows of Rare Makes, 1916 › scan 19
Scan 19
Catalog of Rare Old Violins, Violas and Violoncellos: Also Bows of Rare Makes, 1916
22 lines. Read by computer on 3 September 2026. No printed page number was found. See the scan on archive.org.
1RARE OLD VIOLINS
3ANTONIUS STRADIVARIUS, CREMONA, 1698
5Number 4481. The work of the master at this time was of a different character from that of any later period, in that the arching is more pronounced. The sound holes, edges and corners are more delicate in character, reminding one of the grace and beauty of Nicola Amati in his grand pattern violins.
7It is a large instrument, in a very fine state of preservation and covered with a rich red varnish. It possesses a grand tone which is especially noticeable for its remarkable brilliancy. It is of a very bright, scintillating quality, which is no doubt exactly what Stradivarius sought when he adopted this model, wood and measurements.
9It is an exceptionally effective solo instrument, especially for an artist who requires that particular quality, as many do.
11It is not commonly known that at this period Stradivarius made some of his largest violins. Those made in the years 1686, 1688 and 1690, are fourteen inches, while many of the years of 1677, 1684, 1687, 1689 and 1697, are fourteen and one-half inches. The Halier is fourteen and one-eighth inches in length.
13Price: $7,500
15DOMENICUS MONTAGNANI, CREMONA, 1737
17Number 4317. Montagnani has always been designated "The Mighty Venetian" because of the extreme artistry of his work. No Italian maker, not excepting Stradivarius or Guarnerius, used more beautiful varnish. Few did more artistic or better finished work than Montagnani, and the violins of no other Italian makers can be considered superior in tone.
19This violin was made at a time when violin making was at its very pinnacle in Cremona. Montagnani had finished his apprenticeship with Stradivarius and returned to Venice to follow his career.
21It has a very interesting history. It was in the collection of the celebrated Italian collector Tarisio, and at the time of his death was purchased, among other celebrated instruments, by J. B. Vuillaume, of Paris. It will be remembered by violin students that the famous "Messiah"
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