Russian collector pays $1.1 million for rare Nicolo Paganini violin

The new acquisition has become the 15th item in the man's priceless collection

International auctions of music rarities continue to prove that renowned musical instruments are always precious. Russian collectors do not let the world forget that the true connoisseurs of arts do not hesitate to spend a fortune on a masterpiece.

A Russian citizen has recently acquired a unique violin made by Carlo Bergonzi and once owned by Nicolo Paganini. The instrument was acquired at Sotheby's: the starting price of the ultra-rare violin made up $500,000, but was eventually sold for $1.1 million to the chairman of the council of trustees of the Violin Art Foundation, Maksim Viktorov.

In the words from the happy owner of the beautiful violin, the historical item has become his 15th possession in his collection. It is worthy of note that the collector keeps most of his collection in Moscow, although it is impossible to see the renowned musical instruments: the collector keeps them all in bank safes under conditions of appropriate temperatures and humidity.

However, Maksim Viktorov is not going to hide his priceless collection from the public eye. The beautiful antique creations will start living again in the hands of famous musicians, who will give everyone an opportunity to hear the sounds of true music. The music of the violin, which the collector acquired at Sotheby's, will fill the concert hall of the Moscow Conservatory at the closing ceremony of the Paganini International Contest on December 1.

The instrument is in perfect condition despite its respectable age: the violin was approximately made in 1720. Experts are certain, though, that the new owner can feel free and try to play it.

It is a remarkable musical instrument indeed. Organizers of the auction say that any work made by violin-maker Carlo Bergonzi is a unique item. The Italian specialist used to compete with such masters of music as Antonio Stradivari and Guarneri del Gesu. Only 50 of Bergonzi's violins have been preserved through the years. The master of violins was born in 1683 and was creating his works of art from 1720 to 1747.