Antonio Stradivari - arguably among greatest violin makers of all time (certainly the most famous) was born in Italy in 1644 and died on December 18, 1737 in Cremona, Italy. He is best known for the perfection of his craftsmanship in addition to the gorgeous tone of his instruments. Here is a close up of the bottom left corner of the back my 1728 Strad in which you can see the purfling or double ebony inlay strips that all violins have to help prevent them from cracking. When Stradivari made this violin he was already 84 years old and a slight dwindling of his sure hand is in evidence since he tried to make the "bee sting" (that little point at the very end) twice but didn't quite get it right either time. The "bee stings" of the other three corners are perfect but because of the angle this corner is the hardest to cut properly. After a lifetime of utter mastery, one can certainly forgive him such a slight imperfection.
Oh, Endre! You have my vote right now. (No offense to anyone.......) The image is impeccable, and stunning on top of that. But the little story about the Artisan who created your beautiful violin was icing on cake. I knew nothing about the famous Stradivari, other than he made violins. Now I feel as though I know something of his character, and his drive to achieve perfection.
Thank you for that little gift, along with the eye candy.
You're too sweet for words, Philly! Thanks so much! There are a lot of REALLY fine photos this week and, no doubt more to come so don't giv away your vote just yet! I'm so glad you enjoyed the little history lesson, too!
Fond regards,
Endre
Philly Rains wrote:
Oh, Endre! You have my vote right now. (No offense to anyone.......) The image is impeccable, and stunning on top of that. But the little story about the Artisan who created your beautiful violin was icing on cake. I knew nothing about the famous Stradivari, other than he made violins. Now I feel as though I know something of his character, and his drive to achieve perfection.
Thank you for that little gift, along with the eye candy.
Once again, the amazement of the story and the artifacts. I can't stand it. Trip must be made soon. I totally understand the story and get this 100%. Lovely
Thanks, Steve, my friend. so glad you like the shot! But now, my shooting photos of my violin isn't anything new so i'm not sure why you're amazed! Come out for a visit and I'll give you the docent's tour of our house. You ain't seen nothin' yet!
All the best,
Endre
Steven Roberts wrote:
Once again, the amazement of the story and the artifacts. I can't stand it. Trip must be made soon. I totally understand the story and get this 100%. Lovely
Believe me, I am sure many will agree that what you have regardless of used before or not, that its amazing. Look at who's the one doing a photo gallery exibition? Not us, so as humbled as you are, take this one and pat yourself on the back.
It's a good photo (I love the background blue), but I'm not sure that it
works on its own account. Without the story it doesn't tell me much. I think
a photo should work on its own (although it can always only do so within
lots of contexts).
Really nice take on the assignment Endre. If we are all so lucky to maintain our skill to this level into our 80's. I find these arts from pre-electricity days fascinating. To think this level of craftsmanship was possible without the benefit of electric lights, self powered transportation or power tools...it is truly amazing. Very well done and I always enjoy seeing the detail of this master's artistry.
Thanks for the comment, Marc. I'm glad you lkke the shot and I do know exactly what you mean regarding the take on the WA. I always keep in mind that very thing when I enter a photo in the WA. There are a numer of entries this week that need explanations to be understood since it is that kind of topic. No matter - many people have asked me to take more shots of my violin so this WA gave me an excuse to do that. Besides, any violin lover who looks at this photo will know INSTANTLY what's almost perfect about it. If I come up with something that beats the card photos (I think that those are the two that best exemplify "Almost Perfect" so far) then I'll replace it. In the meantime, I'm happy I found something to shoot and that it came out well.
Fond regards,
Endre
MarcR wrote:
Endre,
It's a good photo (I love the background blue), but I'm not sure that it
works on its own account. Without the story it doesn't tell me much. I think
a photo should work on its own (although it can always only do so within
lots of contexts).
Thanks so much, Tom, my friend! I appreciate your kind comment and am glad you like my photo. Actually, a modern violin maker's tools aren't that much different from what Strad used. Of course, there are big machines like electric band saws to do the rough cutting (Strad had apprentices with hand saws to do that ) but thte little planes and and things are nearly the same.
Fond regards,
Endre
Tom Basore wrote:
Really nice take on the assignment Endre. If we are all so lucky to maintain our skill to this level into our 80's. I find these arts from pre-electricity days fascinating. To think this level of craftsmanship was possible without the benefit of electric lights, self powered transportation or power tools...it is truly amazing. Very well done and I always enjoy seeing the detail of this master's artistry.
I love the detail... I probably would not be able to see a Stradivarius this close. After reading your comments, I looked up Stradivarius on the web. All, I can say is that I would be terrified to touch one because of what they cost. Just awesome!
Thanks so much for the comment, Bryan! Glad you like it. I've gotten used to holding it because I play on mine almost every day for the pst 25 or so years.
All the best,
Endre
Bryan G. Hunt wrote:
Endre,
I love the detail... I probably would not be able to see a Stradivarius this close. After reading your comments, I looked up Stradivarius on the web. All, I can say is that I would be terrified to touch one because of what they cost. Just awesome!
Thanks, HH. I appreciate your comment. Glad you llke it.
I haven't done it yet, but I plan to make a seperate gallery on my website that will contain the photos that will be in my exhibit. They are all drawn from phoitos that area lready there so I just need to link them over to a different gallery. I'll let you know as soon as I do that and then I'll provide the link to it. Thanks for asking.
All best wishes,
Endre
hhski wrote:
Love that cobalt backgound. BTW please post where we can see the images you choose to exhibit
Endre, another great shot of your Strad I don't think you will ever run out of wonderful shots of this instrument. Great story and take on the WA this week. I too love the lighting and the blue background.
Jane
A nice display of that minor defect. I sometimes find myself making similar repairs in my wookwork. If the client asks me about it I just tell him it is an "authentication patch" and it is there to prove the item is hand made. Most folks don't worry much about it after that.
Hey Endre, I've been waiting for you to enter some imperfection from your Strad, but I was expecting maybe something around an f hole!
Now I have to go take a close look at all eight bee stings on my violin.
Beautiful.
So now you'll serenade us with some Rimsky-Korsakov?
[I'll leave it to you to explain the inside joke to others who may not get it.]
Thanks so much, Mike. I appreciate hearing from you and am so glad you like it. Fore sure, I'll keep my FM WA Family posted ast to how things go with my showing.
All best wishes,
Endre
Vipermike wrote:
A rich shot in every way Endre! Another one for your gallery. Best of luck at your showing in Santa Barbara. Keep us posted. ok?
Endre.....you've taught me much about violins and your 'strad'....thanks! All the images you've taken of it are beautiful, it's difficult to think of part of it as 'almost perfect' but you've managed to capture that as well!!
Great job....good luck on the show. (always an interesting experience!)
Peter
) The image is impeccable, and stunning on top of that. But the little story about the Artisan who created your beautiful violin was icing on cake. I knew nothing about the famous Stradivari, other than he made violins. Now I feel as though I know something of his character, and his drive to achieve perfection. 
I'm so glad you enjoyed the little history lesson, too! 
