'Viotti' Stradivarius: quick facts
The 'Viotti' is a golden-period Stradivari violin made in 1709. It is named after Giovanni Battista Viotti, the Italian virtuoso often called a father of modern violin playing, who owned and played it. The instrument is held by the Royal Academy of Music in London, which preserves a notable collection of historic stringed instruments and lends them to gifted students and players. As a golden-period example, it represents Stradivari at the height of his powers. Several different Stradivari instruments carry the 'Viotti' name through association with the violinist, which can cause confusion in the literature.
Sources: Tarisio — Cozio Archive of stringed instruments; Library of Congress — Stradivari instruments / Whittall Collection; The Metropolitan Museum of Art — musical instruments collection; Smithsonian — National Music Museum / NMAH string instruments. Educational information only — not financial, investment, or appraisal advice. See our sources & fact-check policy.