Instrument Type: Violin
Circa: 1745
Asking Price: SOLD
Maker: Giovanni Battista Guadagnini
The Violin
Giovanni Battista Guadagnini made this concert violin in Piacenza in 1745. The label reads Joannes Baptista filius Laurentji Guadagnini fecit Placentiae 1745. So the maker named his father Lorenzo on it.
The two-piece spruce table shows narrow grain widening slightly at the flanks. The two-piece back uses quarter cut maple with a faint, irregular flame. Also, the ribs and head match the back, under a light brown varnish over a golden ground.
A preeminent violinist owned this true concert violin by Giovanni Battista Guadagnini. Its sound is magnificent, with a rich and penetrating tone. In fact, the tone suits the finest violinist on any stage. That is why this Giovanni Battista Guadagnini violin earned its concert reputation.
For a soloist, this concert violin from Giovanni Battista Guadagnini meets the demands of a full hall. As a result, it offered a very rare opportunity to own a violin by one of the greatest Italian makers.
The Maker
Guadagnini lived from 1711 to 1786. He began his career in Piacenza about 1740 to 1741. Within a decade he became the most important violin maker in Northern Italy.
At the end of 1749 he moved to Milan, where his style fully matured. Later, he followed the cellist Carlo Ferrari to Parma around 1759. Finally, he settled in Turin in 1771.
In Turin he met the collector Count Cozio di Salabue. Cozio became his patron and gave him access to the Stradivari workshop materials. After that, Guadagnini adopted Stradivari models more often. He also returned to the fine red varnish of his Milan years.
Terms of Sale
This violin has sold, so it is no longer available for purchase. Benning Violins invites you to browse our current catalog of fine instruments. You can also contact us directly to ask about similar pieces.