Full Description
This striking violin by Lorenzo Storioni, made in Cremona around 1800, is a compelling example of the maker’s highly personal interpretation of the Cremonese tradition. Built on one of his more delicate, characteristic models, the instrument presents a compact outline with slightly squared bouts, short and open corners, and a notably flat arching that favors acoustic efficiency and projection.
The edgework is bold and rounded, with virtually no fluting, reinforcing the strong and direct visual presence typical of Storioni’s work. The f-holes follow a distinctive pattern used by the maker in this model—shorter and rounder in form, with a slightly pinched appearance that loosely recalls the influence of Guarneri ‘del Gesù’, yet rendered with Storioni’s unmistakable freedom.
The back is made from a single piece of flamed Balkan maple, matched to the ribs, and paired with a medium-grain spruce top. The varnish, a bright orange-brown laid over a vivid golden ground, displays the characteristic brilliance and luminosity associated with Storioni and later Cremonese makers such as Giovanni Rota, applied in a thin and lively texture. The instrument remains in very good condition, with a later replacement scroll.
Tonally, it offers a thick, edgy, and powerful voice, with strong projection, a broad palette of colors, and a deep, penetrating character—hallmarks of Storioni’s bold and expressive approach to violin making. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity by Dmitry Gindin and by Amorim Fine Violins SRL, this instrument stands as a fine example of late Storioni’s craftsmanship and remains a highly desirable piece, suitable for both distinguished performance and historically informed collecting.
