Violins

There were three great families of violin makers in Cremona, Italy during the 1700s and 1800s.

Stradavari - Guarneri - Amati

Here are a few brief notes about Antonio Stradivari and Joseph Guarnerius del Gesu.

This information was gathered from the Encyclopedia Smithsonian.

STRADIVARIUS VIOLINS

Antonio Stradivari was born in 1644, and established his shop in Cremona, Italy, where he remained active until his death in 1737. His interpretation of geometry and design for the violin has served as a conceptual model for violin makers for more than 250 years.

Stradivari also made harps, guitars, violas, and cellos - more than 1100 instruments in all, by current estimate. About 650 of these instruments survive today. In addition, thousands of violins have been made in tribute to Stradivari, copying his model and bearing labels that read, "Stradivarius." Therefore, the presence of a Stradivarius label in a violin has no bearing on whether the instrument is genuine.

The usual label, whether genuine or false, uses the Latin inscription, Antonius Stradivarius Cremonensis Faciebat Anno [date]. This inscription indicates that the maker (Antonio Stradivari), the town (Cremona), and "made in the year," followed by a date that is either printed or hand written. Copies made after 1891 may also have a country of origin printed in English at the bottom of the label, such as "Made in Czechoslovakia," or simply "Germany." Such identification was required after 1891 by United States regulations on imported goods.

GUARNERIUS VIOLINS

The most illustrious member of this famous family of violin makers was Bartolomeo Giuseppe Guarneri (Cremona, Italy, 1698-1744), the fifth and last member of the family, grandson of Andrea, son of Giuseppe Giovanni Battista. He is more familiarly known as Joseph Guarnerius del Gesu. Guarnerius is the Latin form of the family name and Joseph the Hebrew form of Giuseppe. The addition of "del Gesu" to the name and the Greek abbreviation for Jesus (HIS) beneath a cross on the labels indicate veneration for the Holy Name.

The outline of his violins, with slight modifications, is founded on instruments of Antonio Stradivari. Modeling of the back and table are noticeably flattened, seemingly inspired by Maggini. The F holes are of Stradivari form but are usually elongated, more open, and less refined. The carefully applied oil varnish is soft in quality and of light texture, with the color varying between orange and orange brown with, occasionally, a reddish tint. The length of the body is usually 14", sometimes 1/16" less.

The estimate of his total production is not more than 250 violins; there is no positive evidence that he made instruments in any other form, although some violas and at least one violoncello are attributed to him. Approximately 150 violins are known to exist.

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