Matthew Hardie, 1755 - 1826. Violin maker
About this artwork
Matthew Hardie was an important and influential violin maker, who has been called the 'Scottish Stradivari'. His instruments were praised for both their beauty and quality of tone. Towards the end of his life, Hardie's business was undercut by cheaper factory imports and he spent some time in a debtor's jail. He died in a poorhouse. His skills, however, were passed onto family members, in what was to become a dynasty of violin makers.
Updated before 2020
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artist:Sir William Allan (1782 - 1850) Scottish
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title:Matthew Hardie, 1755 - 1826. Violin maker
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date created:About 1822
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materials:Oil on panel
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measurements:26.70 x 22.90 cm; Framed: 38.80 x 35.00 x 6.50 cm
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object type:
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credit line:Purchased 1960
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accession number:PG 1955
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gallery:
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depicted:
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subject:
Sir William Allan
Sir William Allan
Born in Edinburgh, Allan was apprenticed to a coach painter before studying at the Trustees' Academy in the city from 1799; David Wilkie was a fellow student and became a lifelong friend. Allan went to London in 1803 to continue his studies, possibly at the Royal Academy. In 1805 he went to Russia...