This violin is an excellent representation of Stradivari’s first period, and shows traces of the influence that Nicolò Amati (1596–1684) had on the young Antonio. On this matter, Charles Beare wrote: ‘This example, which was probably made about 1669–70, strongly reflects the influence of Stradivari’s presumed teacher, Nicolò Amati, and perhaps to some extent that of Francesco Ruggeri; both were active in Cremona at the time. Looked at closely, however, every detail of the delicate workmanship shows clearly the hand of the young Stradivari, already as clean and accurate as any.’
More information: Antonio Stradivari Set 1, Volume 1, Page 62