The Legacy of Stradivari: A Cremona Violin from 1737

Few names in the history of art and craftsmanship carry the mystique of Antonio Stradivari. Born in Cremona, Italy, in 1644, Stradivari devoted his long life to perfecting the violin. Over the course of seven decades, he transformed the instrument from its early baroque form into one of the most sublime creations in music history.

Stradivari’s violins are prized not only for their exquisite tonal qualities but also for their artistry. Each instrument carries the unmistakable touch of his workshop: the graceful arch of the body, the precise cut of the f-holes, the delicate scroll, and the luminous varnish whose secret recipe continues to baffle experts. To musicians and collectors alike, they are the pinnacle of lutherie, often described as the “Da Vincis” of the music world.

The Heart of Cremona
Cremona in the 17th and 18th centuries was a bustling hub of violin making. Alongside Stradivari were other legendary families such as the Amatis and Guarneris, but Stradivari’s instruments rose above all others in both craftsmanship and fame. His workshop became the gold standard, producing violins, violas, cellos, and even guitars that defined the sound of European classical music. Apprentices and family members worked alongside him, learning techniques that would ripple outward for generations.

The Final Year of a Master
The violin currently offered at Kodner through Bidsquare is labeled “Antonio Stradivari, Cremona, c.1737.” That date carries poignant weight. It was in 1737 that Stradivari passed away, at the remarkable age of 93. By then, his workshop had produced an estimated 1,100 instruments, of which only about 650 survive today.Antonio Stradivari, Cremona c1737 Violin (Lot 81)
Estimate: $2,000,000 - $9,000,000
Stradivarius Violin, Estate Jewelry & Decoration
Kodner Galleries
Oct 08, 2025 5PM CDT

Instruments associated with this final period are exceptionally scarce. They reflect both the accumulated mastery of a lifetime and the collaborative work of his sons, Francesco and Omobono, who continued the family craft. A violin from this year stands not just as a musical instrument, but as a historical witness to the very end of the Stradivari era in Cremona.

The Sound That Endures
What makes a Stradivarius so special? Musicians often describe the tone as unmatched; brilliant, warm, and capable of filling the largest concert halls with ease. Some violins seem to sing under the bow, offering both power and nuance. Scientific studies have tried to unlock the mystery, pointing to everything from the density of the maple and spruce (perhaps influenced by the colder climate of the Little Ice Age) to Stradivari’s varnish and exacting proportions. Yet the truth remains elusive.
Perhaps that uncertainty is part of the magic. The aura surrounding a Stradivarius is as much about legend and mythology as it is about acoustics. To hold one is to wonder how the hands of a craftsman in 18th-century Cremona created something so enduring, so alive.

Collecting and Legacy
To own a Stradivarius, or even an instrument attributed to his circle, is to hold a piece of history that bridges art, science, and music. These violins have been played by the world’s greatest virtuosi, Paganini, Heifetz, Perlman, and remain the standard by which all others are judged. At auction, they inspire awe and fierce bidding competition, with the finest examples reaching into the tens of millions of dollars.
Beyond price and prestige, however, is legacy. A Stradivarius connects us to centuries of performance, to the soundtracks of courts, cathedrals, and concert halls. Each new owner becomes a custodian of that history, preserving the violin for future generations of musicians and collectors.

The 1737 Violin at Auction
The c.1737 Cremona violin offered at Kodner is more than a collectible object; it is a tangible link to the legacy of Antonio Stradivari. Its date places it at a turning point in violin-making history, as Cremona’s golden age gave way to the hands of future generations of luthiers. For musicians, it carries the possibility of unlocking that legendary voice; for collectors, it represents an opportunity to steward one of history’s most enduring treasures.

View the full catalog and register to bid on Bidsquare.com.