Italy School
Enrico Marchetti
Cuorgné, Milan, Turin, 1855–1930
Enrico Marchetti (1855-1930) was a highly regarded Italian violin maker, considered the best in Turin during the 20th century. He trained with L. Bajoni and G. Rossi in Milan before working in Turin with B. Giofffredo (Rinaldi) and A. Guadagnini. Establishing his own workshop in 1881, Marchetti was known for his fine copies of classical works, particularly those of Pressenda and the Neapolitan school, often using good materials and transparent yellow varnish. He received numerous awards at international exhibitions and was assisted by his son, Vittorio.
Auction price history
Highest auction price
| Type | Details | Sold | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violin | 35.5 cm Italy , 1900 c. [Attributed to] | October 2011 | £4,000 |
| Violin | 35.6 cm Turin, 1890 c. | October 2011 | £15,600 |
| Violin | 35.7 cm Turin, 1917 | May 2011 | £18,573 |
| Violin | 35.9 cm Cuorgné (Turin), 1908 | March 2011 | £27,000 |
| Violin | 35.8 cm 1900 c. | October 2010 | £10,412 |
| Violin | 35.6 cm Turin | October 2010 | £15,600 |
| Violin | 36.0 cm Turin, 1927 | April 2010 | £16,498 |
| Violin | 36.0 cm 1927 [Ascribed to] | March 2010 | £15,600 |
| Violin | 35.4 cm Turin, 1927 | May 2009 | £21,351 |
| Violin | 35.7 cm 1900 c. | May 2008 | £9,195 |
| Violin | 35.2 cm 1900 c. [Attributed to] | March 2008 | £2,500 |
| Cello | 76.0 cm 20th C. [Ascribed to] | October 2007 | £6,852 |
| Cello | 75.5 cm Turin, 1890 | February 2007 | £66,000 |
| Violin | 35.6 cm Turin, 1893 | October 2006 | £12,630 |
| Cello | Cuorgné (Turin), 1893 | February 2005 | £26,400 |
| Violin | Torin, 1921 | November 2004 | £6,817 |
| Cello | Turin, 1880 c. [Probably by] | May 2004 | £12,867 |
| Cello | 1912 | October 2003 | £32,930 |
| Viola | 39.7 cm 1880 | May 2003 | £22,080 |
| Violin | 1900 c. | November 2002 | £14,100 |
| Violin | 1916 | June 2002 | £9,059 |
| Violin | 1927 | June 2002 | £6,416 |
| Violin | 1922 | November 2001 | £11,750 |
| Violin | 1915 | November 2001 | £15,957 |
| Cello | 1912 | November 2000 | £52,875 |
| Violin | 1917 | November 2000 | £8,521 |
| Violin | 1927 | May 1999 | £3,236 |
| Violin | 1890 | March 1999 | £10,925 |
| Viola | 40.0 cm 1908 | November 1997 | £12,650 |
| Violin | 1915 | March 1997 | £5,750 |
| Violin | 1887 | September 1988 | £3,740 |
| Violin | 1880 | May 1986 | £1,295 |
| Viola | 40.0 cm 1900 | March 1986 | £5,500 |
| Violin | 1919 | November 1982 | £935 |
| Violin | 1909 | November 1981 | £2,019 |
| Violin | 1913 | July 1981 | £495 |
Maker Overview
Life
Enrico Marchetti (1855-1930) was born in Milan in 1855 and died in Turin, Italy, in 1930. He is regarded as the best Turin maker of the 20th century, according to The Brompton's Book of Violin & Bow Makers by John Dilworth. Marchetti worked in Turin from approximately 1874. Initially, he worked with B. Giofffredo (Rinaldi) and subsequently with A. Guadagnini. A prize awarded to Guadagnini in 1881, the year of Guadagnini's death, was later disputed by Marchetti, who had made the instrument on Guadagnini's behalf. Marchetti established himself independently in 1881 at 10 Piazza Vittorio Emanuele I. He resided in Cuorgné from 1893 to 1912. During his career, he was assisted by his son Vittorio, R. Marengo, and A. Curletto.
Characteristics
- Work
- Marchetti produced fine copies of classical works, specialising in Pressenda and the Neapolitan school.
- Models
- His early work featured a long pattern Stradivari model, and he later made copies of more obscure makers, often utilising false labels.
- Materials & Varnish
- He used good materials and a good transparent yellow varnish.
- Branding
- Some examples of his instruments are branded 'E.M.' on the lower rib, or internally 'E. Marchetti Torino'.
- Labels
- An example of his label reads: 'Enrico Marchetti Mediolanensis / Premiato con diciotto Medaglie alle / primarie Esposizioni estere e nazionali / fecit Taurini anno Domini, 1924'.
- Enrico Marchetti Mediolanensis
Premiato con diciotto Medaglie alle
primarie Esposizioni estere e nazionali
fecit Taurini anno Domini, 1924John Dilworth
Influence and legacy
- Training: Enrico Marchetti trained with L. Bajoni and G. Rossi in Milan.
- Collaborations: He worked initially with B. Giofffredo (Rinaldi) and subsequently with A. Guadagnini.
- Awards: Marchetti received awards at numerous exhibitions, including Turin 1884, Antwerp and Paris 1885, Paris 1886, and Toulouse 1887. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff notes that he received a silver medal in Antwerp in 1885.
- Exhibitions: He exhibited in Milan in 1894 and Turin in 1898.
- Family Continuity: His son, Vittorio, assisted him in his work.
Biographies
The overview above is drawn from the following published accounts. Read them in the original:
John Dilworth+
MARCHETTI, Enrico Born 1855 Milan, died 1930 Turin Italy. Regarded as the best Turin maker of the 20th century. Trained with L. Bajoni and G. Rossi in Milan, worked in Turin from c.1874, initially with B. Giofffredo (Rinaldi) and subsequently with A. Guadagnini. A prize awarded to Guadagnini in the year of his death, 1881 was later disputed by Marchetti, who had made the instrument on Guadagnini’s behalf. Established independently in that year at 10 Piazza Vittorio Emanuele I. Awards at many exhibitions: Turin 1884, Antwerp and Paris 1885, Paris 1886, and Toulouse 1887. Resident in Cuorgné 1893-1912, during which time he exhibited in Milan 1894 and Turin 1898. Assisted by his son Vittorio, below, R. Marengo, and A. Curletto. Fine copies of classical works, specialising in Pressenda and the Neapolitan school. Early work on a long pattern Stradivari model, later made copies of more obscure makers, often using false labels. Good materials and good transparent yellow varnish. Some examples branded ‘E.M.’ on lower rib, or internally ‘E. Marchetti Torino’. Enrico Marchetti Mediolanensis / Premiato con diciotto Medaglie alle / primarie Esposizioni estere e nazionali / fecit Taurini anno Domini, 1924 [Blot IV]
Cecie Stainer+
A maker of good instruments in Turin in the 19th century.
Willibald Leo Lütgendorff+
Ein besserer Meister aus der zweiten Hälfte des 19. Jahrhunderts, der u. A. 1885 eine silberne Medaille in Antwerpen erhalten hat.
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Family
Working in Cuorgné at the same time
A. Antenelli worked 1892–1924
A. Curletto 1888–1973
Abele Naldi 1895–1992
Adolfa Berretta worked 1860–1880
Alfred Eugene Lanini 1891–1956
Ambrogio Sironi 1901–1934
Andrea Bisiach 1890–1967
Annibale Domenico Fagnola 1910–1984