Violin made by Stradivari himself sells for $11.3 million at New York auction

A violin crafted in 1714 by legendary luthier Antonio Stradivari was auctioned in New York this week for $11.3 million, falling short of projections that could have made it the most expensive instrument ever sold.

While the sale is still remarkable, renowned auction house Sotheby’s had estimated the "Joachim-Ma Stradivarius" violin would sell for between $12 million and $18 million, AP reports. They believed they would be able to surpass the record-breaking $15.9 million paid for another Stradivari violin over a decade ago, or the $15.3 million purchase in of a similiar violin in 2022.

Considered one of Stradivari’s finest creations, the violin was made during his celebrated “Golden Period,” a time when his craftsmanship and acoustic expertise were at their peak, according to the auction house.

Adding to its historical significance, the instrument is believed to have inspired German composer Johannes Brahms while composing Violin Concerto in D Major and was played during the concerto’s premiere in 1879.

“This extraordinary violin represents the pinnacle of craftsmanship and classical music history, its unparalleled sound and storied provenance captivating collectors and musicians alike,” said Mari-Claudia Jimenez, chair at Sotheby’s following the auction on February 7. “The Joachim-Ma Stradivarius garnered global attention, achieving one of the highest prices ever for a musical instrument — an acknowledgment of its rarity and historical importance.”

According to the article, this violin is named after two of its most distinguished owners, Hungarian virtuoso Joseph Joachim and Chinese violinist Si-Hon Ma. After Ma’s passing, his estate donated the instrument to the New England Conservatory in Boston.

By Nazrin Sadigova