The violin was developed around the 16th century in Italy. The earliest showing of a violin was in a painting by Gaudenzio Ferrari around the 1530s, but the instrument in the painting only had three strings. In the 16th century violin had become very common for street musicians and the nobility. Many changes to the violin have happened between the 16th and 19th century; including a longer fingerboard and the invention of the chinrest both happening in the 19th century. Also Ludwig van Beethoven was a violin composer; along with Johann Sebastian Bach. A famous violinist today is Lindsey Stirling who started in 2007. The creation of the violin is another branch of music that's truly beautiful.