Scan 175
The violin: its famous makers and their imitators, 1884
4 lines. Read by computer on 28 September 2026. Printed page 117. See the scan on archive.org.
1This last-named date is in conformity with that of 1785, recently given to me by the representatives of the family at Turin, as the last year in which he made instruments. Lorenzo has been regarded as the only pupil of Stradivari in the Guadagnini family; but if their respective works be closely examined, it will be found that those of Giovanni Battista more closely resemble the instruments of Stradivari than even those of Lorenzo, which is suggestive of his having, in some way, been brought early under the great master's influence. It is singular that his early labels contain no reference to Cremona, whilst on the late ones there is mention of the famous town, which evidences the correctness of the statement of Count Cozio relative to his birthplace. It is quite evident that he considered the model of Stradivari as that to be followed, and he does not appear to have changed his views on this point at any time, all his works being in accordance with the teachings of the great master.
3Giovanni Battista was particularly happy in the selection of his wood, it being invariably of the handsomest kind. The backs of his instruments are generally found to be divided, the markings of the wood being very regular; the bellies are of wood well chosen for tone, the varnish very transparent, and of a brilliant colour. The scroll may be described as a rough imitation of that of Stradivari, and to partake generally of the character of the Stradivarian scroll from the date of 1728.
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