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Violin by Giovanni Battista Ceruti, Cremona, c. 1800
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Full description
The top of this classical Cremonese violin is made from spruce from Val di Fiemme of a very fine grain, and the two-piece back of local Italian field maple. The varnish is of golden-orange color on a deep golden-brown ground. The refined crafstmanship is notable on its fine shaped edges and corners and on its elegant arching.
This fine violin is a great example of Ceruti’s late work, presenting the remarkable craftsmanship achieved by the maker through his career. A milestone of the end of the classical period on Cremonese violin making. This instrument translates the context in which it was crafted. The back of the violin presents several restorations, that are all, however, original. At that period, with the high cost of the material, it was common that makers would buy large quantities of wood to get it at a lower price. These wood stocks were then often unproperly seasoned, left with its cork, attracting termites. Considering the difficult access and high costs of the material, it was out of question to not use it anyway. The maker repaired the wood during the crafting process. This violin stands out for its elegance, notable on its refined purfling and light edges, the clear beautiful golden varnish, and the precise cut of the f-holes.
This fine violin is a great example of Ceruti’s late work, presenting the remarkable craftsmanship achieved by the maker through his career. A milestone of the end of the classical period on Cremonese violin making. This instrument translates the context in which it was crafted. The back of the violin presents several restorations, that are all, however, original. At that period, with the high cost of the material, it was common that makers would buy large quantities of wood to get it at a lower price. These wood stocks were then often unproperly seasoned, left with its cork, attracting termites. Considering the difficult access and high costs of the material, it was out of question to not use it anyway. The maker repaired the wood during the crafting process. This violin stands out for its elegance, notable on its refined purfling and light edges, the clear beautiful golden varnish, and the precise cut of the f-holes.
dimensions
Back Length
355mm
Upper Bout
165mm
Center Bout
113mm
Lower Bout
205mm
String Length
327mm
sound characteristics
Dark, direct and sweet.
Audio
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Made by
Giovanni Battista Ceruti
Originally from the town of Sesto, Ceruti moved to Cremona in 1786 and only started violin making 10 years later. It is believed that he had been a student of Storioni, as his stylistic successor, and when his master left the city, he may have taken over his workshop. Ceruti’s work is precise and elegant, surpassing Storioni’s work in terms of refinement.
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