Considered the greatest luthier in history, the name "Stradivarius" in its Latinized form is known to all and synonymous with extraordinary craftsmanship. The staggering values his instruments command, their incredible beauty, unmatched sound quality, and the mysteries surrounding his life and supposed secrets of construction all contribute to his enduring legend. Owning a "Strad" is the ultimate dream for any musician or collector.

During his long career, marked by precocity, ingenious innovations, and an incredible mastery of both craftsmanship and artistry, Antonio Stradivari created nearly a thousand instruments, about six hundred and fifty of which have survived, some in exceptional condition. Stradivarius' earliest known violins date back to 1666, and while it is not certain that he trained under the illustrious Nicolò Amati, the importance and influence of Amati in the Cremonese tradition of violin making is evident among many of his contemporaries.

Stradivari’s early works clearly reflect Amati’s methods and models, often referred to as having an "Amatized" style. From 1680 onwards, his production increased and began to break away from the Amati school’s designs. He made the arches flatter, varied the dimensions, and experimented with the violin's proportions. In the 1690s, with the goal of matching the sound quality of the early instruments from Brescia, particularly those by Giovanni Paolo Maggini, Stradivari experimented with a new, more elongated model of violins known as "long-pattern" violins. The peak of his craft, or his "golden period," occurred approximately between 1700 and 1720. Many iconic violins were constructed during these years, including the "Baron von der Leyen" (ca. 1705), the "Messiah" (1716), and the "Lady Blunt" (1721).

Among the characteristics of this period are flatter arches, broader instruments, magnificent backs made of flamed maple, and beautiful bright red varnishes. These features are still considered standards for violin making today. Stradivari’s later works show his relentless pursuit of innovation; although perhaps less celebrated, they are highly appreciated by musicians and continue to fetch significant prices. Most of the surviving instruments by Stradivari are violins, but he also crafted violas and cellos based on two models: earlier pieces that followed 17th-century standards (many of which have been shortened), and instruments built on the "Forma B" model, which emerged around 1707 and became a reference. Stradivari also produced numerous lutes, guitars, citterns, and viols, particularly in the early part of his career, before dedicating himself primarily to the violin family.

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