Leonardo da VinciI strongly believe that Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) has been involved in the evolution of the instrument. He constructed some stringed instruments and studied the physics of sound and air as a transmitting medium. Although thus far nothing has been found that connect Leonardo directly to the development of the violin, undoubtely the geometry revealed on these pages give rise to the thought that the construction might come from the mind and hands of Leonardo. Uncomplicated and accomplished by easy steps without intricately complex arranged element arranged in a geometric layout with an obvious connection to other technical achievements.
The model gives the violin maker a free hand in designing the outline of the instrument as an artistic art and at the same time influencing the physical function of the shell. In my opinion there is no-one other than Leonardo that could have accomplished such an invention.
The oldest preserved violins are from an age close after leonardos death, from the hand of Gasparo da Solo 1542-1609. The father of Gasparo was aquainted with Leonardo.