description Messiah Stradivarius Overview
The Messiah Stradivarius is a violin made in Cremona by Antonio Stradivari in 1716, during the period associated with his mature craftsmanship. It is distinguished by its unusually well-preserved condition, with limited wear because it was seldom played compared with most surviving Stradivari instruments. The violin is held by the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford and is an important reference object for scholars, violin makers, and conservators.
insights Ranking position
Messiah Stradivarius ranks #102 of 235 in the Artifact ranking, behind Leica M3, ahead of The Hay Wain.
help Messiah Stradivarius FAQ
Why is the Messiah Stradivarius so well preserved?
The violin was rarely played and spent long periods protected in collections. As a result, its varnish, edges, and overall condition show far less wear than most instruments made in 1716.
Why is the violin called the Messiah?
The name arose because violin dealer Luigi Tarisio often praised the instrument but did not bring it out for others to see. The violin was jokingly compared to the Messiah, always expected but never appearing.
Where is the Messiah Stradivarius kept?
The instrument is held by the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford. It came to the museum from the collection of the Hill family, prominent London violin dealers and experts.
Is the Messiah Stradivarius still played?
It is generally preserved as a museum object rather than used as a working concert violin. That restriction helps protect its unusually intact 1716 construction and varnish.
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