Italy School
Riccardo Antoniazzi
Cremona, Milan, 1853–1912
Riccardo Antoniazzi (1853-1912) was a prominent Italian violin maker, son and pupil of Gaetano Antoniazzi. He was instrumental in establishing the modern Milanese school, where he taught and collaborated with figures like Leandro Bisiach and the firm of Monzino & Son. Known for his fine orange-brown varnish, his prolific period was from 1889 to 1904, and his instruments often bear his father's or Monzino's labels.
Auction price history
Highest auction price
| Type | Details | Sold | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violin | 35.3 cm Milan, 1910 | October 2010 | £31,920 |
| Violin | 35.5 cm Milan, 1910 c. [Possibly by] | October 2010 | £9,600 |
| Violin | 35.5 cm Milan, 1907 | April 2010 | £35,290 |
| Violin | 35.8 cm Cremona, 1921 | October 2008 | £23,478 |
| Viola | 40.3 cm 1900 c. [Attributed to] [Lit: The Cooper Collection] | March 2008 | £4,750 |
| Violin | 35.9 cm For Leandro Bisiach Milan, 1898 | March 2008 | £38,900 |
| Violin | Milan, 1906 | May 2005 | £20,989 |
| Viola | 42.3 cm early 20th C. [Attributed to] | May 2005 | £3,053 |
| Violin | Milan, 1900 c. [Attributed to] | November 2004 | £11,950 |
| Violin | Milan, 1912 | October 2004 | £13,945 |
| Violin | Milan, 1900 | April 2004 | £12,118 |
| Cello | 1906 | October 2002 | £22,736 |
| Viola | 41.6 cm 1875 | May 2002 | £31,969 |
| Violin | 1910 | November 2001 | £15,000 |
| Violin | 1912 | March 2001 | £22,325 |
| Violin | 1910 | March 2000 | £25,300 |
| Viola | 42.3 cm 1910 | November 1999 | £21,292 |
| Violin | 1890 c. | November 1998 | £4,140 |
| Violin | 1910 | March 1998 | £12,650 |
| Violin | 1912 | October 1997 | £12,650 |
| Violin | 1897 | June 1996 | £5,750 |
| Violin | 1890 c. | October 1995 | £10,925 |
| Violin | 1910 | March 1995 | £6,900 |
| Violin | 1892 | November 1992 | £20,900 |
| Viola | 40.0 cm 1910 | March 1989 | £6,050 |
| Violin | 1906 | March 1989 | £8,250 |
| Viola | 41.9 cm 1918 | November 1988 | £6,160 |
| Violin | 1910 | May 1986 | £4,400 |
| Violin | 1910 | November 1985 | £4,536 |
| Viola | 40.0 cm 1910 | July 1985 | £5,184 |
| Violin | 1898 | October 1982 | £2,912 |
| Violin | 1883 | November 1980 | £1,870 |
Maker Overview
Life
Riccardo Antoniazzi (1853-1912) was born in Cremona in 1853 and died in Milan, Italy, in 1912. He was the eldest son and pupil of Gaetano Antoniazzi. Around 1880, he worked for approximately a year in Nice, possibly for N. Bianchi. Subsequently, he established himself in Milan around 1881. He became a significant figure in the establishment of the modern Milanese school, teaching and later working with Leandro Bisiach and the firm of Monzino & Son from 1904. He signed an exclusive contract with the company in 1910. His most prolific and best period of work dates from approximately 1889 to 1904.
Characteristics
- Varnish
- His instruments feature a fine, clear orange-brown varnish of varying consistency.
- Branding and Labels
- Much of his work appears with the label of his father or Monzino. Some instruments are branded beneath the back button with 'AR'.
- Some branded beneath the back button: ‘AR’ Riccardo Antoniazzi Cremonese
fece in Milano l’anno 18..John Dilworth - Riccardo Antoniazzi Cremonese
fece l’anno 1906 presso lo Stabilimento
Antonio Monzino e Figli
in Milano, Via Rastrelli. 10 Antoniazzi Riccardo di Cremona
figlio di Gaetano fece in Milano
l’anno 19..John Dilworth
Influence and legacy
- Mentorship: He was the pupil of his father, Gaetano Antoniazzi.
- Milanese School: Riccardo Antoniazzi was a significant figure in the establishment of the modern Milanese school.
- Training: He taught and subsequently worked with Leandro Bisiach and was responsible for the training of a new generation of Milanese makers.
- Collaborations: From 1904, he worked with the firm of Monzino & Son, signing an exclusive contract with them in 1910.
- Attribution: Many of his instruments bear the labels of his father or Monzino, indicating a close association and potential for misattribution without careful examination.
Biographies
The overview above is drawn from the following published accounts. Read them in the original:
John Dilworth+
ANTONIAZZI, Riccardo Born 1853 Cremona, died 1912 Milan Italy. Eldest son and pupil of Gaetano, above. Worked for about a year in Nice, 1880, possibly for N. Bianchi. Subsequently established in Milan c.1881. A significant figure in the establishment of the modern Milanese school, he taught and subsequently worked with Leandro Bisiach and the firm of Monzino & Son from 1904 and signed an exclusive contract with the company in 1910. He was responsible for the training of a new generation of Milanese makers. His best and most prolific period dates from around 1889 to 1904. Fine clear orange-brown varnish of varying consistency. Much of his work appears either with the label of his father or Monzino. Some branded beneath the back button: ‘AR’ Riccardo Antoniazzi Cremonese / fece in Milano l’anno 18.. Riccardo Antoniazzi Cremonese / fece l’anno 1906 presso lo Stabilimento / Antonio Monzino e Figli / in Milano, Via Rastrelli. 10 Antoniazzi Riccardo di Cremona / figlio di Gaetano fece in Milano / l’anno 19.. [Blot II]
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Working in Cremona at the same time
A. Antenelli worked 1892–1924
Alfred Eugene Lanini 1891–1956
Andrea Bisiach 1890–1967
Andrea Pietro Fontanini 1871–1923
Antonio Artioli worked 1870–1890
Antonio Giacomo Monzino 1847–1930
Antonio Laviguetta worked 1900
Aristide Cavalli 1856–1931