Stradivarius Violin Sells for 11.3 Million at Auction
A Stradivarius violin that sold for $50 at a pawn shop was auctioned for $11.3 million, with proceeds benefiting student scholarships at New England Conservatory.
A Stradivarius violin sold at a Massachusetts pawn shop for $50 has been identified as stolen and valued at approximately $250,000. The masterpiece, crafted in 1714 by renowned luthier Antonio Stradivari, was auctioned for an impressive $11.3 million at Sotheby's in New York.
The violin, known as the "Joachim-Ma Stradivarius," was made during Stradivari's "golden period," celebrated for his unmatched acoustic mastery. According to Mari-Claudia Jimenez, chair at Sotheby's, the instrument embodies the pinnacle of craftsmanship and classical music history, captivating collectors and musicians alike.
Named after its eminent previous owners—19th-century violinist Joseph Joachim and Si-Hon Ma from China, whose estate donated the violin to the New England Conservatory—the sale is poised to create a significant impact.
Andrea Kalyn, president of the New England Conservatory, mentioned that the proceeds would be used to establish the largest-named endowed scholarship at the institution, furthering opportunities for future music students.
The "Joachim-Ma Stradivarius" previously made history by being played during the premiere of Johannes Brahms' "Violin Concerto in D Major" in 1879. While Sotheby's estimated the violin could fetch as high as $18 million, the bidding concluded at $10 million within 30 minutes, leading to the final sale price after additional fees.
