Matteo Goffriller

Italy, Venice

Born in Bressanone in 1659, Matteo Goffriller is considered the father of the Venetian school of violin-making. He is renowned for his expressive and beautifully crafted instruments, especially his cellos.Read more

Short Bio

Full Name: Matteo Goffriller

Locally making

Italy, Venice

Maker Background

Born in Bressanone in 1659, Matteo Goffriller likely trained under Matthias Albani before moving to Venice in 1685, where he apprenticed with Mathias Kaiser and later married his master's daughter.

Golden Period (1690–1715)
After Mathias Kaiser's death, Matteo Goffriller took over his workshop, thus starting the most productive period of his carrer. Goffriller’s workshop became a leading center of violin and cello making in Venice. His instruments blended influences from Amati and Stradivari, featuring strong outlines, fuller archings, and uniquely styled scrolls. He was known for his geometric precision, creating instruments in different sizes to meet musicians’ tonal needs. His transparent red varnish later became a hallmark of Venetian violin making.

Notably, Antonio Vivaldi, the great composer from Venice, was also working as a violin teacher at the time and may have sourced instruments from Goffriller for his students.

After 1710
Goffriller continued making instruments but often left them unlabeled, possibly to avoid Venetian guild taxes and many of his larger cellos were later modified to fit musicians' changing preferences, complicating their attribution today.

However, Goffriller’s craftsmanship and innovations set a high standard for Venetian violin makers and his instruments remain highly prized by musicians and collectors, continuing to showcase the artistry of the Venetian school.
In addition, his workshop trained important Venetian luthiers, including Domenico Montagnana, Santo Serafin, and Carlo Tononi.

    Looking for work by this maker?

    Contact us to know more about this maker. We can talk with you about him/her, show some examples, and his/her most talented features. Our experts can advise you on his/her model that best meets your needs!

    Request a Callback






      Request a commission

      Create your very own cannone

      Send us all your requirements and essential qualities to call this instrument your own. Our experts are always available to give you advice, do not wait up!







        Contact the maker

        Get in touch with the artist

        Send him/her a message with all your questions regarding his/her path as a maker, methods, the instrument, and even about his/her secrets. He/she will be happy to give you any information you might need.







          Request a Callback

          Leave your details with us

          We can provide you further details on this masterpiece. Provide us with the information on the form, and we will get back to you at your desired time. Our experts will be delighted to answer your demands.








          Any Time

            Get advice from our experts

            The Amorim Team Will Help You Find What You Need

            Need some advice? We are here to help you! To better assist you, let us know precisely what you are looking for, and we will provide you the most suitable instrument for you and your playing style.