Scan 93
Joseph Guarnerius, his work and his master [Andreas Gisalberti], 1906
12 lines. Read by computer on 3 September 2026. Printed page 51. See the scan on archive.org.
1istics, are lengthened and placed more upright, the backward reach of the upper part being also got rid of. There is still the determined curl of the lower part with the fully-developed and rather broad lower wing, so constant with his master.
3The waist curves—or C's as some people know them, and which generally form the principal means by which the stamp of individuality or impression of peculiarity of type is imparted to the design—have a larger reach, although not so deeply cut inward when near the centre. This at once modifies the general aspect—as regards mere form—at a glance; there is less of a tendency to uncouthness and a marked advance towards grace.
5Other details in the work show much less change—the purfling in material and mode of insertion is the same, but the border is less broad and obtrusive, while there is some attempt at delicacy. It is not very bold or much raised, nor beyond the average of the moderately elevated types of Cremonese violins. There is also much evidence of his habit of working, the rather hasty go-ahead way, noticeable in even his most finished specimens.
7With regard to the materials used, we might assume that these were almost compulsory, as a sudden departure or selection of a different class of wood for either upper or lower table would have imparted a different character, and been prejudicial to the sale among the class of people who had respected, as a maker, Andreas Gisalberti.
9Accordingly we find the wood, as regards appearance, identical with that used by Joseph's master. There is the same broad curled sycamore of the best quality, having the well marked or nutmeggy appearance peculiar to almost all the finest productions of the eminent liutaros of Italy.
11The back is in two pieces, with the curls rising a little from the centre upwards; this is the manner that Joseph favoured mostly at all times; those with the downward direction are comparatively few in number. It is fairly regular, but free from the mechanical stiffness and
The computer misreads some letters and numbers. Where a name matters to you, read the scan.