Andrea Amati facts for kids

Andrea Amati (born around 1505, died 1577) was a famous instrument maker, called a luthier, from Cremona, Italy. He is known for creating the first instruments of the violin family that look much like the ones we use today.

Many of Amati's instruments still exist, and some can even be played. A large group of these instruments, about 38 in total, were sent to Charles IX of France in 1574.

This violin, now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, might have been made for a royal wedding in 1559. This would make it one of the oldest known violins still around.

Andrea Amati: The Father of the Modern Violin

Andrea Amati is often called the "father of the modern violin." His work changed how string instruments were made and played. He helped turn the violin from a simple folk instrument into one fit for kings and queens.

Instruments for French Royalty

Between 1560 and 1574, Amati made about 38 instruments for the French royal family. These were for Catherine de Medici, who was the queen ruling for her young son, Charles IX of France. One special instrument was a gilded bass violin, beautifully painted with royal symbols. It was known as The King.

There is some debate about when The King was made. Its label says 1572, but some experts think it might be older. Sadly, many instruments from this royal collection were lost during the French Revolution. However, some pieces were saved and passed through different owners over the years. Today, The King is a prized part of the collection at the National Music Museum in Vermillion, South Dakota.

How Amati Shaped the Violin

Historians believe that instruments similar to the violin existed as early as 1520. However, experts don't fully agree on how the early violin developed. Older string instruments like the rebec, fiddle, and violoncello are shown in old paintings from that time.

However, Andrea Amati's work was truly special. Experts at Sotheby's, a famous auction house, have said that Amati created instruments that were incredibly refined. He might have added a fourth string to an older, louder instrument called a viol, which was used for dance music. Amati's artistic skill completely changed the violin. He helped raise its status from a simple instrument for everyday people to a beautiful addition to royal courts.

Early Violin Designs

When Amati began his career, most violin-like instruments had only three strings. Amati is widely recognized for creating the first four-stringed violin-like instrument. His early violins were a bit smaller than today's violins. They had high arches, wide purfling (a decorative inlay around the edges), and elegant curves in their scrolls and bodies.

Some other instrument makers who might have also helped develop the violin include Gasparo da Salò and Pellegrino de' Micheli from Brescia, and Ventura di Francesco de' Machetti Linarol from Venice.

Amati's Family Legacy

Andrea Amati's talent for making violins was passed down through his family. His two sons, Antonio Amati and Girolamo Amati, became skilled violin makers themselves. His grandson, Nicolò Amati, was also a very famous luthier. Nicolò taught many apprentices who became legendary, including Antonio Stradivari and Andrea Guarneri. This family tradition helped establish Cremona as a world center for violin making.

The Ex-Kurtz violin, made around 1560, is now at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

See also

• Amati Violas