The “EX-FRANZ ECK” Antonio Stradivari Violin of 1717

INTRODUCTION

Antonio Stradivari (1644-1737 Cremona, Italy) is considered to be the greatest violin maker in history. Surviving violins of Stradivari in pristine condition are extraordinarily rare, and nearly all of such instruments are accounted for in museums, institutions, or in famous private collections. These violins include the “Messiah” (1716), the “Lady Blunt” (1721), the “Medici” (1716), and the “Pucelle” (1709). Currently, an exceptionally fine Stradivari violin made in 1717 is available for sale. This particular instrument is preserved in the same pristine condition as the four aforementioned examples, and was created during Stradivari’s high golden-period.

The violin’s illustrious provenance can be traced back to Franz Eck (1774-1804), a contemporary of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and a musician who knew and performed with Mozart on numerous occasions. Franz Eck was reputed to be one of the leading German violinists of his day, and was the teacher to the famous composer and violinist Louis Spohr. In the 20th century, the violin was owned by one of the most famous collectors in history, Gerald Segelman. This particular instrument was the crown jewel of his entire collection, and was affectionately known by Mr. Segelman as the “The Gerald.”

The violin is featured in numerous publications with detailed photographs by Herbert Goodkind (1972), Walter Hamma (1964), and most recently by Andrew Hooker (2009). The “Eck” is regarded as one of the purest surviving works of Antonio Stradivari with all original, unpolished varnish that is of a similar composition to the “Messiah” Stradivari constructed one year earlier in 1716.