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Matthew Hardie Edinburgh - Stradivari
NOW SOLD
Hershey Violins is now accepting offers on this rare and fine example of the Scottish violin maker Matthew Hardie, known as "The Scottish Stradivari". This violin is dated 1795 and is in excellent condition. It has been professionally maintained. Please view the photos (click to view larger) and William Henley's description below.
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| Top plate no set-up | "F" hole right side | Scroll detail |
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| Top plate no set-up | Back Plate | Top plate w/ set-up |
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| Makers label |
HARDIE, Matthew
By William Henley
Born 1755. Died 1826. Worked at Edinburgh from 1796. Possibly initiated into the art by John Blair who was subsequently his principal workman. Usually termed the "Scottish Stradivari". A man of considerable education who, unfortunately, (so it is chronicled) could not conquer the temporary excitements of alcohol. Destined to fall on hard times towards the end of his career, and was confined in Calton Gaol for debt. From the same source we learn that he produced a good number of his best instruments during the otherwise weary months of incarceration. Majority of his violins modelled after one of the first period Strads, with outline and arching practically perfect. Also built several Amatese reproductions (ranking with those of Betts), probably of superior tonal quality to the Stradivarian models. Body length, width of bouts, depth of ribs, and height of arching generally adhere strictly to both originals. Workmanship usually upholds the dignity and neatness of the conscientious craftsman, though occasional instruments pop up over which his hand must have travelled rather hurriedly, but none of the work ever absolutely careless. Slight build of the edges noticeable. Margins moderately full. Scroll attentively carved and fully worthy of admiring glances. Purfling often ingeniously regular, but some early dated specimens have marked imitation lines instead.
Sound-holes (a fraction shorter than those of a Strad), also positioned differently, though of the slightest. Always used very old wood, often the remains of ancient buildings, not always free from little scars which he apparently thought wise not to remove. Excellent maple, but seldom of pretty figure. Early instruments covered with a light tinted yellow spirit varnish, now faded to a dullish brown, not of good texture though applied rather dexterously. Later found one of better quality, also of spirit, but less hard in appearance, thinly but artistically applied, generally yellow but now merging into a pale brown; occasionally one of slight reddish tinge. Tonal quality clear and strong, but lacking in sympathy. Productivity fairly large. Violas and 'cellos also, the latter often praised for the tone of the lower strings.
Made by |
Matthew Hardie |
Made by |
A genial and generous spirit outshining the unfortunate weakness previously alluded to, a great enthusiast, rich in the traditional lore of Cremona, and consecrated his efforts to reproduce it, and, at one time, had a coterie of cultured amateurs around him. £85, 1959
Additional reference:
http://www.nationalgalleries.org/collections/artist_search.php?objectId=2688