Genoa School
Enrico Rocca
Genoa, 1847–1915
Son, pupil, and assistant of Giuseppe Antonio Rocca, below. Moved with his family to Genoa c.1860, where he worked as a carpenter at the docks until 1878. Took up violin making thereafter, using his father’s tools and patterns. Not so successful or prolific as his father, his work is of a slightly l\u{2026} — John Dilworth
Auction price history
Highest auction price
| Type | Details | Sold | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violin | March 2012 | £80,450 | |
| Violin | 36.1 cm 1900 c. [Attributed to] | November 2011 | £3,759 |
| Violin | 35.7 cm 1858 [Probably by] | October 2010 | £20,700 |
| Violin | 35.8 cm 1900 c. [Ascribed to] | October 2008 | £28,923 |
| Violin | 35.5 cm Genoa, 1915 | October 2007 | £51,423 |
| Violin | 35.3 cm Genova, 1904 | April 2007 | £60,649 |
| Violin | Italy, 1902 c. [Ascribed to] | April 2004 | £33,660 |
| Violin | 1914 | November 2000 | £20,909 |
| Cello | 1912 | July 2000 | £48,800 |
| Violin | 1898 c. | February 1998 | £18,012 |
| Violin | 1899 | June 1997 | £20,700 |
| Violin | 1893 | June 1996 | £51,750 |
| Cello | 1895 | November 1994 | £97,750 |
| Violin | 1911 | June 1991 | £33,000 |
| Violin | 1901 | November 1989 | £31,900 |
| Cello | 1908 | June 1989 | £57,200 |
| Violin | 1911 | November 1986 | £9,680 |
| Cello | 1878 | April 1984 | £14,089 |
Maker Overview
Life
Enrico ROCCA (1847-1915) was born in Turin on April 25, 1847, and died in Genoa on June 7, 1915. He was the son, pupil, and assistant of Giuseppe Antonio Rocca. Around 1860, he moved with his family to Genoa, where he worked as a carpenter at the docks until 1878. He subsequently took up violin making, utilizing his father's tools and patterns. Although not as successful or prolific as his father, his work is generally considered to be of a slightly lower order. Nevertheless, he achieved success at numerous competitions and exhibitions, all of which were enumerated on his later labels. Most of his instruments are dated from approximately 1900.
Characteristics
- Workmanship
- His work is generally considered to be of a slightly lower order compared to his father's.
- Varnish
- He applied a fine shaded varnish, ranging from golden to red-brown, and a good quality gold-yellow varnish.
- Patterns
- He worked on the pattern of Guarneri, creating fine copies.
- Branding
- His instruments were branded internally.
- Output
- He was a skillful violin and mandolin maker.
- Rocca Enrico fu Giuseppe
Premiato alle Esposizioni
Milano 1881John Dilworth - Arezzo 1882John Dilworth
- Torino 1884
Bologna 1888John Dilworth - Palermo 1892
Genova 2 Medaglie 1892-93
Fecit in Genova. Anno Domini 1896John Dilworth
Influence and legacy
- Family Influence: He was the son, pupil, and assistant of Giuseppe Antonio Rocca.
- Recognition: Enrico Rocca was successful at numerous competitions and exhibitions, which were listed on his labels.
- Market Value: His instruments are particularly valued in England.
Biographies
The overview above is drawn from the following published accounts. Read them in the original:
John Dilworth+
ROCCA, Enrico Born 1847 Turin, died 1915 Genoa Italy. Son, pupil, and assistant of Giuseppe Antonio Rocca, below. Moved with his family to Genoa c.1860, where he worked as a carpenter at the docks until 1878. Took up violin making thereafter, using his father’s tools and patterns. Not so successful or prolific as his father, his work is of a slightly lower order generally. Nevertheless he was successful at numerous competitions and exhibitions, all enumerated on his later labels. Most instruments are dated from c.1900. Fine shaded varnish, golden to red-brown. Branded internally. Printed labels: Rocca Enrico fu Giuseppe / Premiato alle Esposizioni / Milano 1881, Arezzo 1882, Torino 1884 / Bologna 1888, Palermo 1892 / Genova 2 Medaglie 1892-93 / Fecit in Genova. Anno Domini 1896 I.H.S.
Henri Poidras+
Son of Giuseppe Rocca. Interesting modern make. Fine copies of Guarnerius. Good quality gold-yellow varnish.
Karel Jalovec+
Genoa, b. Apr. 25. 1847 in Turin, d. June 7, 1915. Son and successor of Joseph. Worked on the pattern of Guarneri and applied a golden-yellow varnish. Skilful violin and mandolin maker. Instruments particularly valued in England.
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Working in Genoa at the same time
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Andrea Cortese 1889–1954
Cesare Candi 1869–1947
Cesare Maggiali b. 1886
Enrico Clodoveo Melegari 1835–1895
Enrico Giordani 1878–1954
Erminio Montefiori 1841–1904
Eugenio Praga 1847–1901