This beautiful violin bears a label identifying it as the work of Nicolò Amati, the son of Hieronymus and nephew of Antonio Amati, who are known as “the brothers Amati” [Nicolaus Amatus Cremonen. Hieronymi Fil. ac Antonij Nepos Fecit 1670].

The Stradivarius cello of 1701, known as the Servais, is unquestionably among the jewels of the Smithsonian’s collection. It is a magnificent instrument of incredible visual beauty, robust and bold in overall conception, yet refined in myriad details.

Rovatti was born in Italy in 1861 and trained there as a pupil of Joseph and Enrico Rocca. He emigrated to Argentina in 1885, producing about 1,000 violins, viola, cellos, and guitars before his death in 1931.