Kielce/ Scientists from the Warsaw University of Technology are examining a unique Stradivarius "Polonia" violin from 1685.

The only Stradivarius violin in Poland, the "Polonia," dating from 1685, will be examined by scientists at the Kielce University of Technology using cutting-edge technology. According to Wojciech Depczyński from the Kielce University of Technology, it is one of the last instruments of its kind in the world without a digital equivalent.

"This is the only instrument of its kind in Poland, and one of the last in the world, that doesn't have a digital equivalent, or master. It would be a major problem if such a violin were damaged. Having a digital equivalent allows us to make a copy and some replacement parts," emphasized Dr. Wojciech Depczyński, head of the radiography and computed tomography laboratory at the Kielce University of Technology, during a press conference on Wednesday.

He added that the research process, inspired by the work of the Fraunhofer Institute, involves taking thousands of X-ray images of an instrument rotated 360 degrees and then digitally "stitching" them into a 3D model.

The research will be conducted at the CENWIS Research and Implementation Center, an interdisciplinary research unit focused on the needs of industry. The Center carries out projects for companies both in the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship and nationwide. In addition to collaborating with industry, the Center also engages in cultural events, as exemplified by the Stradivarius violin event.

"Using a material tomography scanner, we will assess the condition of this violin. We will also create a utility model of this item using reverse engineering, allowing us to re-manufacture it," said Przemysław Buczyński, director of the CENWIS Research and Implementation Center.

The initiative was initiated by Mateusz Majkowski. This academic year, the student at the Academy of Music in Poznań plans to make a violin based on a Stradivarius violin.

"I was looking for a solution to obtain the measurements from this instrument without damaging it due to its historical value. I settled on the computed tomography scanner available at the Kielce University of Technology. There are only two devices of this quality in the world. One is in Kielce, the other in the United States," said the student.

Janusz Wawrowski, the musician who brought the violin to Kielce on Wednesday, agreed to share the Stradivarius. He emphasized that for an instrument of this age, the violin is in very good condition.

"The Stradivarius was unused for many years, so the risk of damage was minimal. The exceptional quality of the violin is primarily due to the wood from which it was made. It was exceptionally dense," said the musician.

The research will take several weeks. The entire cost will be financed by the Kielce Technology Park.

The "Polonia" violin is one of the most prized musical instruments in the world. It was created by Antonio Stradivari, an Italian master violin maker whose instruments are considered masterpieces of precision, sound, and beautiful craftsmanship. Each Stradivari is a rarity. The "Polonia" is the only such instrument in Poland, preserved in excellent condition. (PAP)

May/

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