'Messiah' (Le Messie) Stradivarius
The Messiah, or Le Messie, is widely regarded as the most celebrated violin made by Antonio Stradivari. Crafted in 1716 during the master luthier's most productive and acclaimed period, this instrument exemplifies the peak of Stradivari's craftsmanship. What distinguishes the Messiah from other surviving Stradivari violins is its exceptional state of preservation. The violin has remained in extraordinarily original condition, bearing minimal signs of wear or alteration, and is noted for having been played remarkably little throughout its history.
The instrument's pristine condition has made it invaluable to scholars and craftspeople seeking to understand Stradivari's construction techniques and materials. Rather than being subjected to the wear that accompanies regular performance, the Messiah has served principally as a reference specimen for study and analysis. The violin's provenance includes ownership by Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume, a prominent 19th-century French violin dealer known for his expertise in stringed instruments.
The Messiah is currently housed in the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford, where it is preserved in controlled conditions. The museum maintains the violin as a protected artifact rather than as an instrument in active concert use, reflecting its status as an irreplaceable historical object. This approach has allowed the Messiah to retain its original characteristics, making it an essential reference point for understanding how Stradivari's violins sounded and functioned at the time of their creation.
Sources: The Metropolitan Museum of Art — musical instruments collection; Tarisio — Cozio Archive of stringed instruments. Educational information only — not financial, investment, or appraisal advice. See our sources & fact-check policy.
Frequently asked questions
What is the the messiah Stradivarius?
It is a Stradivari violin made in 1716 (golden period). Near-original, almost unplayed condition.
How much is the the messiah worth?
Reported value/sale: Not for sale (museum-held). This is market history, not an appraisal or investment advice.
Where is the the messiah Stradivarius now?
Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, UK.
Why is it called the the messiah?
From dealer Vuillaume's quip that, like the Messiah, it was always promised but never seen.
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