Violin – Reflections on Master Antonio Stradivari

We found this violin in the attic of an old house that we inherited after the war. We were thrilled when we read the words inside – Antonio Stradivari. It turned out to be a violin from the school of the great master. A magnificent violin. That is why I painted it.

- Anatoli Gostev (1946–2022)

Impression of the painting.

The painting seems to be saturated with time, holding a hidden depth. It was difficult to determine the exact age of the violin, but it spanned centuries. The still life seemed to have absorbed this age and the music once played on the instrument.

I remember the painting from the early formation of my childhood awareness. And I remember this old violin of the most beautiful fiery color, steeped in time, with blue, neat, calligraphic letters inside, visible when you lean close to the f-hole. And my father’s playful whisper: Stradivari.

- Anatoli Gostev (Jr.)

The painting was begun during a period of mastering the craft of painting under the influence of Pieter Bruegel the Elder. In the 1970s, Gostev created three works in the spirit of Bruegel and faced criticism from colleagues and art councils. At the time, he told them: Yes, in Bruegel’s manner. I wanted to feel how the great master painted. And after a pause he added: Better under Bruegel than under you.

Courtyard

Tolya and the Pigeons

Violin

A painting with sound.

Anatoli Gostev was a great admirer of music, graduated from a music school, and later connected painting with music. The still life with violin was for him a reverent touch of melodies once played on the instrument—melodies he never heard, yet felt. As if passing on the baton of this music, he immortalized that old violin, reflecting on Antonio Stradivari, his followers, and the works performed on the violin. With each passing year the painting seemed to gather strength, the music from the past becoming clearer and purer. From time to time, Gostev would take out the old piece of cardboard and make changes. This went on for almost half a century.

From the painting “Violin”, one thing is absolutely clear—true, sincere, and thoughtful painting has the power to collect and compile emotions, thoughts, and even music.

Authenticity of the painting – signature and certificate.

The work is not signed by the artist on the front side, but only with the family’s official seal on the reverse. On the back of the painting there is a sketch drawing by the artist. The painting “Violin” is certified in the blockchain. The unique digital signature of the root certificate of the painting is permanently recorded in the blockchain, ensuring the immutability of the data on its provenance, authorship, and current ownership.

The COA certificate contains data from the root certificate within the ots proof file. The root certificate of the painting, registered in a Bitcoin blockchain block, can be transferred to a new owner only through a signed ownership transfer agreement, ensuring transparency and trust in any future sale or transfer of the artwork. This makes the authenticity of the painting verifiable and relevant throughout its entire existence.