Augusto Pollastri

John Dilworth

POLLASTRI, Augusto Born 1877, died 1927 Bologna Italy. Pupil of R. Fiorini 1886-1898. Established independently in Bologna thereafter, working throughout his life at 91 via Castiglione. Awarded gold medals at Geneva, Fiume, and Bologna 1927, and decorated by the Italian Government. Succeeded by his younger brother Gaetano, below. Very fine work on classical models, the edges characteristically rubbed and lightened. Early work before 1900 characterised as Pressenda copies, and at least one was relabelled as Pressenda by Pollastri himself. Those made 1900-1908 deemed to be influenced by G. P. Maggini, with dark red varnish. Thereafter developed his own Stradivari-derived model which he used for the remainder of his career. Beautifully carved and concentric scrolls with light chamfer. Soundholes deeply fluted in lower wing. Rich deep red brown varnish prone to craquelure. Invariably best quality materials. Credited with 54 violins, five violas, and five cellos. Generally branded from 1909 with his mark of two cockerels. Augustus Pollastri / Raphaelis Fiorini Alumnus / Fecit Bononiae an. 1912 Cav: Augusta Pollastri / fece in Bologna [Magrini]