Fiddle. Jacob Steiner, Austrian, ca. 1660

Violin; Jacob Steiner, Austria, ca. 1660.
Wood.
Preserves case.
It shows wear and tear.
Measurements: 59 x 20 x 8 cm.
Jacob Stainer (c. 1618-1683) was the first and best known Austrian and Germanic luthier. His violins were sought after by famous musicians and composers of the 17th and 18th centuries, including Johann Sebastian Bach, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and George Simon-Lohein. His designs influenced instrument making in Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, parts of Italy and several other countries. Stainer's violins are comparatively rare today and few of his violas, cellos and basses are known to exist. They are highly sought after by musicians performing early music on period instruments.