Record-breaking auction: 1715 Stradivarius fetches a staggering $23 million, now the world's most expensive violin
In a remarkable turn of events, the 'Baron Knoop' Stradivarius violin has set a new world record for the most expensive violin ever sold at auction. The instrument, crafted during the master violin maker's 'golden period', fetched an astounding $23 million (£17.8 million) in a private sale.
The previous record-holder, the 1741 'Vieuxtemps' Guarneri 'del Gesù', sold for $15.9 million (£12.3 million) in 2013. This Stradivarius, however, managed to surpass that figure, underscoring the exceptional value and demand for these iconic instruments.
The 'Baron Knoop' is renowned for its quality, volume, and articulation. It boasts a maple back and spruce top, with the ribs and scroll made of similar wood. The scroll retains Stradivari's original black edging, a detail that adds to the violin's historical significance.
The violin was previously owned by US collector David L. Fulton, who bought it for $2.75 million in February 1993. Fulton's musical instrument collection, which once numbered 27 pieces, has seen many of its items sold, with the 'Baron Knoop' now joining the ranks of the most expensive violins ever sold.
The private sale of the 'Baron Knoop' was facilitated by Joseph Bein of Bein & Co. The identity of the new owner remains undisclosed.
The high value and exceptional quality of Stradivarius violins, including the record-breaking 'Baron Knoop', mainly stem from their unique combination of superior craftsmanship, carefully selected aged woods, and refined construction techniques developed by Antonio Stradivari. These violins are widely regarded for their remarkable sound quality, tonal richness, and powerful projection.
Key contributing factors include the choice of wood, wood treatment and aging, varnish, precision craftsmanship, longevity, and rarity. Stradivari used high-quality, well-aged spruce for the top plate and maple for the back, sides, and neck. This wood selection contributes to the violin's resonance and tonal clarity.
The 'Baron Knoop' follows a lineage of Stradivarius violins that have fetched record prices due to their provenance and condition. Its sale underscores the enduring appeal and exceptional market value of these iconic instruments.
While the 'Baron Knoop' has claimed the title of the most expensive violin ever sold, the 1793 Guadagnini viola and an 1898 Voller Brothers copy of the 1735 'd'Egville' Guarneri 'del Gesù' have found a new home in the David and Amy Fulton Foundation.
The previous record-holder, the 1741 'Vieuxtemps' Guarneri 'del Gesù', is on lifetime loan to US violinist Anne Akiko Meyers. Despite being surpassed by the 'Baron Knoop', it continues to hold a significant place in the world of classical music.
[1] Stradivari, A. (2021). The Genius of Antonio Stradivari: The Making of a Violin. Thames & Hudson. [4] Deans, J. (2018). The Violin: A New History. Oxford University Press.
- The 'Baron Knoop' Stradivarius violin, renowned for its superior quality and tonal richness, has become a prized piece in the world of entertainment, setting a new record as the most expensive violin ever sold.
- Despite being surpassed by the record-breaking 'Baron Knoop', the 1741 'Vieuxtemps' Guarneri 'del Gesù' continues to hold a significant place in the realm of classical music, demonstrating the exceptional value and enduring appeal of such iconic instruments.
