Milan School
Gaetano (I) Guadagnini
Milan, 1750–1817
Gaetano Francesco Lorenzo (I) Guadagnini (1750-1817) was an Italian luthier, born in Milan and active in Turin. He was the son, pupil, and successor of the renowned Giovanni Battista Guadagnini. He initially assisted his father and later worked with his brother Carlo as 'Fratelli Guadagnini'. While he made some violins, noted for their fine workmanship, beautiful wood, and yellow-brown varnish, he primarily focused on violin repair and restoration, and also made guitars. His business was eventually passed to his nephew, Gaetano (II).
Maker Overview
Life
Gaetano Francesco Lorenzo (I) Guadagnini (1750-1817) was born in 1750 in Milan, Italy, and died in 1817 in Turin, Italy. He was the son, pupil, and successor of Giovanni Battista Guadagnini. The Brompton's Book of Violin & Bow Makers, he preceded his father from Parma to Turin in 1771, with the family joining him soon after. He worked as his father's chief assistant alongside his brothers Filippo and Carlo until Giovanni Battista's death in 1786. During this period, he handled some of the extensive correspondence with Count Cozio di Salabue. Thereafter, he worked with Carlo as 'Fratelli Guadagnini', making guitars and gaining a fine reputation as violin repairers and restorers. George Hart, in The Violin, notes that while Gaetano (I) was both a maker and repairer of violins, his abilities were mainly exercised in the latter capacity. Cecie Stainer, in A Dictionary of Violin Makers, also states that he made few new instruments, but chiefly repaired old ones.
Characteristics
- Workmanship
- Willibald Leo Lütgendorff, in Die Geigen- und Lautenmacher vom Mittelalter bis zur Gegenwart, describes his violins as very well-made, possessing beautiful wood, yellow-brown varnish, and excellent sound.
- Instrument Focus
- He made few new instruments, primarily focusing on repairing and restoring old ones. He also made guitars, particularly towards the end of his career.
- Gaetano Guadagnini
J. B. Guadagnini Filius
Taurini fecit 1775John Dilworth
Influence and legacy
- Mentorship: He was the son and pupil of Giovanni Battista Guadagnini.
- Collaborations: He worked as his father's chief assistant alongside his brothers Filippo and Carlo. After his father's death, he collaborated with his brother Carlo under the name 'Fratelli Guadagnini'.
- Succession: Upon his death, the business passed to his nephew, Gaetano (II), who was the son of Carlo.
- Valuation: Willibald Leo Lütgendorff notes that his violins were valued at 3000 Marks in trade.
Biographies
The overview above is drawn from the following published accounts. Read them in the original:
John Dilworth+
GUADAGNINI, Gaetano Francesco Lorenzo (I) Born 1750 Milan, died 1817 Turin Italy. Son, pupil, and successor of Giovanni Battista Guadagnini, below. Preceded his father from Parma to Turin in 1771, but joined soon after by the family. Worked as his father’s chief assistant alongside his brothers Filippo and Carlo until Giovanni Battista’s death in 1786, dealing with some of the extensive correspondence with Count Cozio di Salabue in this period. Thereafter worked with Carlo as ‘Fratelli Guadagnini’, making guitars and gaining a fine reputation as violin repairers and restorers. On his death the business passed to his nephew, Gaetano (II), son of Carlo, below. Continued to use his father’s label in his own early works up to c.1799. Gaetano Guadagnini / J. B. Guadagnini Filius / Taurini fecit 1775 [Rosengard]
George Hart+
Son of Giovanni Battista. Was both a maker and repairer of Violins; it was, however, in the latter capacity that his abilities were mainly exercised.
Cecie Stainer+
Son of Giambattista, grandson of Lorenzo. Worked at Turin about 1750. He made few new instruments, but chiefly repaired old ones. His son. Carlo, was also a maker.
Willibald Leo Lütgendorff+
Sohn von Giov. Batt. II. Seine Geigen sind sehr gut gearbeitet, haben schönes Holz, gelbbraunen Lack und klingen vorzüglich. Im Handel werden Violinen von ihm mit 3000 Mk. bewerthet. Er hat jedoch nur wenig neue Geigen gemacht und verlegte
sich zuletzt fast ausschliesslich auf die Guitarrenmacherei.
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