NEW YORK (AP) – A violin made in 1714 by the legendary luthier Antonio Stradivari sold for USD11.3 million at an auction in New York on Friday, short of estimates that would have made it the most expensive instrument ever sold.
Sotheby’s auction house had estimated that the ‘Joachim-Ma Stradivarius’ violin could sell for between USD12 million and USD18 million, with the higher end of the range potentially eclipsing the record-breaking USD15.9 million someone paid for another Stradivari violin at auction more than a decade ago.
“This extraordinary violin represents the pinnacle of craftsmanship and classical music history, its unparalleled sound and storied provenance captivating collectors and musicians alike,” chair at Sotheby’s Mari-Claudia Jimenez. “The Joachim-Ma Stradivarius garnered global attention, achieving one of the highest prices ever for a musical instrument – an acknowledgment of its rarity and historical importance.”
Bidding at Sotheby’s began at USD8 million and within seconds shot up to USD10 million, as auctioneer Phyllis Kao scanned the room, looking for someone to put up USD10.5 million.
“Am I selling? At USD10 million,” she said, looking to potential bidders.
The room was quiet.
“Last chance, at USD10 million,” she said. “I can sell, and I will, at USD10 million, unless you go on.”
“Sold. USD10 million,” she said, banging a gavel.
The final price includes auction house fees.
The name of the instrument comes from two of its famous violin virtuoso owners, Joseph Joachim of Hungary and Si-Hon Ma of China. Ma’s estate gifted the violin to the New England Conservatory in Boston after his death.
The conservatory will use the proceeds to fund student scholarships.
“The sale is transformational for future students, and proceeds will establish the largest named endowed scholarship at New England Conservatory,” said President of New England Conservatory Andrea Kalyn. “It has been an honour to have the Joachim-Ma Stradivari on campus, and we are eager to watch its legacy continue on the world stage.”
