Scan 168
The violin: its famous makers and their imitators, 1875
4 lines. Read by computer on 28 September 2026. No printed page number was found. See the scan on archive.org.
1Basses, the instrument which has been long in my possession is regarded as the most perfect example. It was numbered with the rarities of Louis Tarisio's collection, and considered by him as the chef d'œuvre of the maker. Among his Violins, the instrument owned by W. Tyssen Amhurst, Esq., is unique; the infancy of the Violin at this period is better seen here than any specimen with which I am acquainted.
3SANCTUS SERAPHINO, Venice, 1710—1748. This maker is chiefly famed for the exquisite finish of his workmanship, surpassed only by that of Stradiuarius. The modelling of his instruments varied. There are instances, particularly in the case of his Violins, where he has entirely set aside the Stainer form and copied Amati. These Violins are wonderfully like the work of Franciscus Ruggerius. The varnish upon them, of a rich red, is of so unexceptionable a quality, that one is compelled to look twice before being satisfied as to the author. The greater number, however, of his instruments are of the German character, the sound-hole, scroll, and outline all hinting of Stainer. These Venetians were wonderfully fortunate in obtaining handsome wood, and in this respect Sanctus Seraphino was pre-eminent, for his sides and backs are simply beautiful to perfection. His method of cutting the wood was invariably to show the grain in even stripes. The scroll is well cut in point of work-
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