A rare violin made in 1714 by legendary craftsman Antonio Stradivari has been sold for $11.3 million at an auction in New York.
Known as the “Joachim-Ma Stradivarius,” the instrument fell short of its estimated price of up to $18 million, which could have made it the most expensive instrument ever sold. Despite this, the violin is still regarded as one of the finest examples of Stradivari’s work, crafted during his “Golden Period.”
This violin has a rich history, once owned by famous musicians Joseph Joachim of Hungary and Si-Hon Ma of China. It is believed to have inspired composer Johannes Brahms while he wrote his Violin Concerto in D Major. In fact, the instrument was played during the concerto’s premiere in 1879.
The sale was hosted by Sotheby’s auction house, where bidding started at $8 million and quickly reached $10 million. After some hesitation, the violin sold for $10 million, plus fees, bringing the total to $11.3 million. While it didn’t break the record for the most expensive violin, it remains one of the highest-priced musical instruments ever sold.
The proceeds from the sale will fund scholarships at the New England Conservatory in Boston, which received the violin from Si-Hon Ma’s estate.
