Notable Sale: Violin by Annibale Fagnola, Turin 1910
Back to BlogThis stunning Italian Masterpiece is an excellent example of Fagnola’s deep knowledge of his great Turinese
predecessors. This violin, crafted in the first decade of the 20th century, exhibits his skills as a ‘copyst’. This particular violin is one of the copies of Giuseppe Rocca and it is one of the finest examples of Italian copying in the 20th century which inaugurates a tradition of worldwide appreciation of the Piedmontese school in violin making.
Violin by Annibale Fagnola, Turin 1910
This exceptional example of the maker’s work, in such pristine condition, precisely demonstrates why his instruments are so appreciated. It combines all of the most distinguished aspects of his finest works at the peak of his career: The precise and conservative Giovanni F. Pressenda (1777 -1854) Model, in which he expressed himself at his best, the thin, delicate, and elegant purfling, the firm present edges, and the lovely red craquelured varnish. Despite being deeply inspired by the early Turin tradition, this visually and acoustically stunning instrument reveals a great deal of Fagnola’s unique character.
Annibale Fagnola – Turin, Italy
A leading figure of the Piedmontese school, known for his fine craftsmanship and strong ties to the Turinese tradition. Annibale Fagnola was born in 1865 in Montiglio Monferrato, a small town in the hills east of Turin. He was originally trained not as a violin maker but as a baker. Yet from an early age, he demonstrated a strong interest in music and stringed instruments, reportedly dabbling in guitar playing and construction before gradually turning toward the violin. In 1894, he moved to Turin—then a growing center for violin making —where he initially continued his trade as a baker while likely building violins on the side.
His move to Turin around 1894 was pivotal. There, he may have trained with Romano Marengo Rinaldi and gained access to important instruments. Inspired by Rocca, Pressenda, and Guadagnini, he developed a bold, distinctive style with rich red varnish and classical forms. By 1899, he was working under his own name, later expanding his workshop.
Annibale Fagnola Influences and Style
Celebrated for their tonal quality, Fagnola’s instruments remain a benchmark in 20th-century Italian violin making. He achieved a level of success rivaled by few of his contemporaries. His work was deeply influenced by the makers of the 19th-century Turin school—especially Giovanni Francesco Pressenda, Giuseppe Rocca, and to a lesser extent, Guadagnini. He studied their models closely, often drawing directly from Pressenda’s forms, yet always bringing a sense of clarity and modern refinement to his own creations. His instruments are not strict copies but highly personal interpretations, combining classical elegance with a bold,
sculptural style.
A fine remarkable violin has been sold at Amorim Fine Violins Cremona. Crafted by the esteemed luthier Annibale Fagnola in Turin in the year 1910, this exquisite instrument embodies centuries of tradition and artistry.
The sale of this violin is a momentous occasion for us, as it represents not only Fagnola’s exceptional craftsmanship and legacy but also his role in the history of violin-making. We are proud to have taken care of the sale of such a remarkable piece of musical history to its new owner.
Stay tuned for updates on upcoming events and opportunities to experience other extraordinary instruments from our collection firsthand. We continue our mission to promote the beauty and excellence of fine violins from Cremona to the world.
Italian Fine Violins
If you’re interested in rare and historic violins, you should definitely check out our fine instruments session. We have a wide selection of fine violins for sale, and it’s well worth browsing our collection to see what we have to offer. Check out our current options for fine violins, violas, and cellos.
