The fine Amatis and Strads all had this form until about 1800. Their bridges were arched, and players began using different bows. Ostensibly, they became the powerful modern instruments we all know. But there's a catch. Change hardly touched the form of the instrument, only how it was played.
Modern violins are forceful and declamatory in comparison with their baroque ancestors.
Baroque playing produces a gentler tone with almost no vibrato. The instruments themselves are practically the same. But the violin was neither improved nor replaced. Players simply found a new way to use it. So much technology is like that.