Stradivari, Antonio (c. 1644-1737)

Italian stringed instrument maker, generally considered the greatest of all violin makers. He produced more than 1,100 instruments from his family workshops, over 600 of which survive; they have achieved the status (and sale-room prices) of works of art.

Stradivari was born at Cremona, served an apprenticeship there with Niccolò Amati, and founded a workshop at there in the 1660s. He continually modified the design of his instruments, achieving by 1690 the ‘Long Strad’. His finest instruments, including cellos and violas, were produced in the first two decades of the 18th century. The secret of his skill is said to be in the varnish but is probably a combination of fine proportioning and ageing.

His sons Francesco Stradivari (1671-1743) and Omobono Stradivari (1679-1742) carried on the business.