Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library
Stradivari Model Violin
Artifact SeriesDomestic Gifts
Artifact IDDO.10042012-67-1.a-c
Object Type
Violin
Maker
Jamie Marie Lazzara
(American)
Brand
Carbondix
Intended Recipient
President Barack Obama
(American, 1961)
Medium
wood (spruce), metal (gold, unknown), hair, shell, leather, varnish
DimensionsOverall - 3D (.a: Violin) H 23 1/2 in x W 8 1/4 in x D 3 1/2 in (59.7 cm x 21 cm x 8.9 cm )
Overall - 3D (.b: Bow) H 29 1/2 in x W 1 in x D 3/4 in (74.9 cm x 2.5 cm x 1.9 cm )
Overall - 3D (.c: Case) H 31 in x W 9 1/2 in x D 5 1/4 in (78.7 cm x 24.1 cm x 13.3 cm )
Physical DescriptionCustom handmade violin (.a) based on the Stradivari model and the construction techniques of the '700. Violin has dark brown wood color given by the alchemical root extract with melted gold leaves lettering inscriptions on both side reading "All men are created equal" and "all men are by nature equally free and independent." The violin is varnished with natural, based linseed oil and fused amber. Includes a Carbondix Futura model carbon fiber bow (.b) with horse hair, and mother of pearl and ivory inlays and a handmade leather case (.c) is brown with gold trim and metal clasps. "Obama" imprinted on the front. Overall - 3D (.b: Bow) H 29 1/2 in x W 1 in x D 3/4 in (74.9 cm x 2.5 cm x 1.9 cm )
Overall - 3D (.c: Case) H 31 in x W 9 1/2 in x D 5 1/4 in (78.7 cm x 24.1 cm x 13.3 cm )
Historical NoteThe violin, based on a Stradivari model, is inscribed along the sides of the body, or the ribs, with two historical quotes. One rib is inscribed with "All men are created equal," from the Declaration of Independence.The other rib is inscribed with "All men are equally free by nature and independent," a phrase said by Filippo Mazzei, a friend of Thomas Jefferson and Italian supporter of the American Revolution.
The virtuoso violinist Itzhak Perlman played another violin made by Jamie Lazzara at President Barack Obama's first Inauguration in 2009. Perlman played "Air and Simple Gifts" composed and arranged by John Williams in a quartet with Yo-Yo Ma (cello), Anthony McGill (clarinet), and Gabriela Montero (piano).
Custodial History / ProvenanceThe item was a gift from a member of the general public to President Barack Obama during the Obama Administration. It was received through the Office of the President and maintained there until its transfer to the National Archives in January 2017 for deposit with the Obama Presidential Library. Additional Details
National Archives Catalog CollectionBarack Obama Artifact Collection (National Archives Identifier 63542091)
National Archives Catalog SeriesDomestic Gifts (National Archives Identifier 66540613)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Possibly
Use Restriction NoteCopyright or other proprietary rights may be held by individuals or entities other than the Obama Presidential Library. The Obama Presidential Library does not warrant that the use of materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
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