Pianoro School
Raffaele Fiorini
Pianoro, 1828–1898
Raffaele Fiorini (1828-1898) was an influential Italian violin maker born in Pianoro and active in Bologna. He received early instruction from the brother of the violin maker Tadolini in Bazzano. Establishing his workshop in Bologna's Palazzo Peppoli, he became a prominent figure in the Emilia Romagna region, employing notable makers like A. Pollastri and his son Giuseppe. Fiorini's work is characterized by its classical tradition, fine craftsmanship, and deep red-brown varnish, with cellos being more numerous than his violins. His widow continued his business after his passing.
Auction price history
Highest auction price
| Type | Details | Sold | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Viola | 41 cm 1900 c. [Ascribed to] | November 2011 | £8,863 |
| Violin | 35.6 cm [Possibly workshop of] | March 2008 | £8,775 |
| Violin | 1800 | March 1997 | £5,060 |
| Viola | 41.8 cm 1893 | March 1996 | £38,900 |
| Violin | 1870 c. | June 1995 | £17,825 |
| Cello | 1870 | March 1989 | £16,500 |
Maker Overview
Life
Raffaele Fiorini (1828-1898) was born in 1828 in Pianoro, Italy, and passed away in 1898 in Bologna. As a child, he moved with his parents to Bazzano., the brother of the violin maker Tadolini provided him with his initial instruction there. Cecie Stainer elaborates that this Tadolini, from Modena, was the brother of a violin maker and, recalling his brother's methods, crafted small violins to entertain young Raffaele, who soon became interested and sought to assist. Raffaele Fiorini gradually acquired knowledge and experience. Sources contain conflicting information regarding the establishment of his workshop; Lütgendorff states he founded his own workshop in 1861, while John Dilworth and Cecie Stainer indicate he went to Bologna in 1867 to work seriously for several years, ultimately opening his own workshop in the Palazzo Peppoli there. He was regarded as one of the more accomplished Italian violin makers of the last third of the 19th century.
Characteristics
- General Style
- His work was deeply rooted in the classical tradition, characterized by fine craftsmanship and great flair.
- Instrument Focus
- Violins produced by Fiorini are outnumbered by his cellos, and a few violas are also known.
- Varnish
- He utilized a deep red-brown varnish.
- Fiorini Raffaele
Bononiensis
fecit anno 1894John Dilworth
Influence and legacy
- Early Training: Raffaele Fiorini received his first instruction from the brother of the violin maker Tadolini in Bazzano, as detailed by Willibald Leo Lütgendorff and Cecie Stainer. John Dilworth notes he encountered the Tadolini brothers, who were amateur violin makers.
- Workshop Influence: His workshop in Bologna became a focal point for violin makers in the Emilia Romagna region.
- Notable Employees: Several significant makers were employed in his workshop, including A. Pollastri, C. Candi, A. Monterumici, and his son Giuseppe.
- Family Continuity: His son, Giuseppe Fiorini, worked in his workshop.
- Business Continuation: After his death, his widow continued the business under the firm name "Fiorini Conjugi" at Via Clavature 14 D. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff also mentions the existence of a firm "F. Fratelli."
Biographies
The overview above is drawn from the following published accounts. Read them in the original:
John Dilworth+
FIORINI, Raffaele Born 1828 Pianoro, died 1898 Bologna Italy. Moved when young to Bazzano where he encountered the Tadolini brothers, amateur violin makers. Established in Palazzo Peppoli, Bologna from 1867. His workshop employed several significant makers: A. Pollastri, C. Candi, A. Monterumici, as well as his son Giuseppe. This became the focal point for violin makers in the Emilia Romagna region. Work deeply rooted in the classical tradition, finely made and with great flair. Violins are outnumbered by cellos; a few violas known. Deep red-brown varnish. Fiorini Raffaele / Bononiensis / fecit anno 1894 [Blot I]
Cecie Stainer+
b. 1828 at Pianoro ; d. 1898. When still a child, his parents moved to Bazzano, where a certain Tadolini, of Modena, brother of the violin maker, remembering what he could of his brother’s methods, used to make small violins to amuse young Raffaele; the latter soon became interested and endeavoured to assist. Raffaele gradually gained knowledge and experience, and in 1867 went to Bologna to work seriously for several years, finally opening his own workshop in the Palazzo Pepoli there.
Willibald Leo Lütgendorff+
Er kam mit seinen Eltern als Kind nach Bazzano, wo ihm der Bruder des
Geigenmachers Tadolini den ersten Unterricht ertheilte. Er arbeitete rastlos
weiter und begründete 1861 seine eigene Werkstatt. Er galt als einer der
besseren italienischen Geigenmacher des letzten Drittels des 19. Jahrhunderts.
Seine Wittwe setzt das Geschäft in der Via Clavature 14 D fort, unter der Firma
»Fiorini Conjugi«. Auch eine Firma »F. Fratelli« soll es gegeben haben.
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