A Stradivarius violin sold for $11.25 million at auction on Friday, showing the continued appeal of the legendary instruments.
Sotheby's referred to the violin as the Joachim-Ma violin, which was built by Antonio Stradivari in 1714 in Cremona, Italy. It was most notable for having been played for decades by Joseph Joachim, one of the most famous violinists of the 19th century. It was acquired by violinist Si-Hon Ma in 1967, whose estate donated it to the New England Conservatory after his death.
The Conservatory, which has had the violin for the last decade, said the sale proceeds will go toward a scholarship program.
The record for the biggest sum paid for a musical instrument at auction remains with the "Lady Blunt" Stradivarius, made in 1721, which fetched $15.9 million in 2011.
Main Image: Courtesy Sotheby's