The Saga of the Stolen Gibson ex-Huberman Stradivarius
Crafted by Antonio Stradivari in 1713, the Gibson ex-Huberman Stradivarius, valued at $15 million, has twice been stolen. This priceless violin, created in Cremona, Italy, is a testament to Stradivari’s artistry and the object of thieves’ desires.
After several thefts, the Gibson Stradivarius now belongs to Joshua Bell, who acquired it for $4 million—a figure that’s now significantly increased. Bell, swapping his Tom Taylor Stradivarius for it, made his debut recording with the Gibson in 2003, capturing hearts with ‘Romance of the Violin.’