Gioffredo Benedetto Rinaldi
1822–1888
Gioffredo Benedetto RINALDI (1822-1888) was an Italian violin maker, dealer, and biographer, primarily active in Turin. He was a pupil and fellow-worker of Pressenda, whose style he emulated in his own instruments, though his work is rarely encountered. Rinaldi was also a significant dealer and connoisseur of old instruments, and his 1873 pamphlet, Classica Fabbricazione di Violini in Piemonte, is a crucial source for research into Pressenda's life. His workshop later transitioned to 'Marengo-Rinaldi' under R. Marengo.
Auction price history
Highest auction price
| Type | Details | Sold | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violin | 35.3 cm Early 20th C. [Attributed to] | March 2011 | £12,000 |
| Violin | 1885 | March 1996 | £14,950 |
| Violin | 1880 | June 1995 | £5,290 |
| Violin | 1883 | June 1988 | £6,050 |
| Violin | 1873 | April 1985 | £3,740 |
Maker Overview
Life
Gioffredo Benedetto RINALDI (1822-1888) was born in Alba in 1822 and died in Turin, Italy, in 1888. He initially established himself in Turin as a dealer and trader of musical instruments, working with his father-in-law, Teobaldo Rinaldi. worked for Bianchi in Paris from approximately 1859 to 1868, after which he returned to Turin to work as a violin maker under the name Gioffredo-Rinaldi. He was a biographer of Pressenda, and his pamphlet, Classica Fabbricazione di Violini in Piemonte (Turin, 1873), provides the basis for most research into Pressenda's life, serving practically as a short biography of the maker. George Hart notes that Rinaldi was chiefly known as a dealer in violins and exhibited several violins by Giovanni F. Pressenda at the Vienna Exhibition in 1873, also publishing a brief notice about Pressenda that he inscribed to Archduke Rannieri. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff states that Rinaldi was also known as a connoisseur of old violins and a dealer, having been connected with Tarisio and, after Tarisio's death, becoming one of the most skilled discoverers of old instruments in Italy. Cecie Stainer indicates that he was still working in Turin in 1886.
Characteristics
- Style
- His own work is rarely encountered, but it is very much in the Pressenda style. Karel Jalovec notes that he worked well on the model of his teacher, though he finished the edges of his instruments less delicately than his master.
- Varnish
- Instruments generally feature a thin orange to dark red varnish.
- Signature
- Some instruments are signed internally with 'Gioffredo Brenadetto detto Rinaldi Torino, 18..'.
- Instrument Quality
- His violins are considered good orchestral instruments, and his 'celli are even better and highly esteemed.
- Repair Work
- He was skilled at repairing instruments.
Influence and legacy
- Mentorship: He was a pupil of Pressenda as Pressenda's 'Lieblingsschüler' (favorite pupil). Cecie Stainer also identifies him as a pupil and fellow-worker of Pressenda.
- Workshop Succession: His shop included, at various times, E. Marchetti, C. Oddone, and R. Marengo. R. Marengo eventually succeeded to the shop, which then became known as 'Marengo-Rinaldi'.
Biographies
The overview above is drawn from the following published accounts. Read them in the original:
John Dilworth+
GIOFFREDO (RINALDI), Benedetto Born 1822 Alba, died 1888 Turin Italy. Initially a dealer and trader of musical instruments, established in Turin with his father-in-law, Teobaldo Rinaldi. Worked for Bianchi in Paris c.1859-1868, thereafter working in Turin as a violin maker under the name Gioffredo-Rinaldi. Biographer of Pressenda. His pamphlet Classica Fabbricazone di Violini in Piemont (Turin, 1873) provides the basis for most research into Pressenda’s life. His own work is rarely encountered, but is very much in the Pressenda style. His shop included at various times E. Marchetti, C. Oddone, and R. Marengo, who succeeded to the shop which then became ‘Marengo-Rinaldi’. All contributed to the variety of work, generally with thin orange to dark red varnish, some signed internally: ‘Gioffredo Brenadetto detto Rinaldi Torino, 18..’ [Blot IV]
Cecie Stainer+
Was a pupil and fellow-worker of Pressenda. He was still working in Turin in 1886, but died about five years later. He published: ” Classica fabbricazione di violini in Piemonte” (Turin, 1873), which is practically a short biography of Pressenda.
George Hart+
Chiefly known as a dealer in Violins. He exhibited a few Violins by Giovanni F. Pressenda at the Vienna Exhibition, 1873, and published a short notice of that maker, which he inscribed to the Archduke Rannieri.
Willibald Leo Lütgendorff+
Lieblingsschüler von Pressenda; ein geschickter Geigenmacher, dessen Violoncelli sehr geschätzt sind. Auch als Kenner alter Geigen und Händler war er bekannt. Er stand in Verbindung mit Tarisio und war nach dessen Tod einer der geschicktesten Entdecker alter Instrumente in Italien. Er gab in Turin 1873 eine Schrift heraus unter dem Titel: Classica fabbricazione di violini in Piemonte, in der das Ausführlichste über Pressenda berichtet wird.
Karel Jalovec+
Pupil of Pressenda. Worked well on the model of his teacher, though he finished the edges of his instruments less delicately than his master. His violins are good orchestral instruments; better are his ‘celli. He was good hand at repairing. Price 12.000 Kc.
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