The Amati family was a prominent Italian family of violin makers from the 16th to the 18th centuries. They are best known for their exceptional craftsmanship and contributions to the development of string instruments, particularly the violin. The family included notable members such as Andrea Amati, who is often credited with creating the first modern violin. The Amati family’s influence extended to their descendants, including Niccolò Amati and Giovanni Battista Amati. Their instruments are highly sought after by musicians and collectors, and they played a significant role in the evolution of violin making, setting standards that would be followed by later makers like Antonio Stradivari and Giuseppe Guarneri.