Florence School
Gaspero Piattellini
Florence, worked 1738–1780
Gaspero Piattellini was an Italian violin maker active in Florence from approximately 1738 to 1780. He is noted for his fine craftsmanship, often utilizing the Gabrielli/Amati model, and for his excellent red-brown varnish. Piattellini's work featured delicate edges and an emphatic fluted channel, though his soundholes were described as somewhat weak. His cellos were particularly esteemed. Historical accounts suggest he may have been the teacher of G. B. Gabbrielli.
Auction price history
Highest auction price
| Type | Details | Sold | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violin | 35.3 cm Florence, 19Th Century [Possibly by] | October 2008 | £10,846 |
| Violin | 35.3 cm 19th C. [Possibly by] | May 2008 | £13,171 |
| Violin | 1760 c. | July 1993 | £16,100 |
Maker Overview
Life
Gaspero Piattellini (circa 1738-1780) worked in Florence, Italy.'s The Brompton's Book of Violin & Bow Makers, he was either the father or brother of Luigi Piatellini (I). Willibald Leo Lütgendorff, in Die Geigen- und Lautenmacher vom Mittelalter bis zur Gegenwart, suggests that Piattellini was likely the teacher of G. B. Gabbrielli, noting that many aspects of the more famous pupil's work are reminiscent of Piattellini's. Manuscript labels found in his instruments include "Gasparo Piattelini Fece / in Firenze Anno Domini, 1738" and "Gasparo / Piattelini / fece l’anno 1763".
Characteristics
- Workmanship
- Gaspero Piattellini produced fine work, often based on the Gabrielli/Amati model, characterized by a medium arch and excellent red-brown varnish.
- Design Details
- His instruments featured delicate and refined edges with an emphatic fluted channel.
- Soundholes
- The soundholes were noted as being a little weak, widely spaced, and upright.
- Cellos
- His cellos were particularly admired.
- Gasparo Piattelini Fece
in Firenze Anno Domini, 1738John Dilworth - Gasparo
Piattelini
fece l’anno 1763John Dilworth
Influence and legacy
- Mentorship: Willibald Leo Lütgendorff suggests that Gaspero Piattellini was likely the teacher of G. B. Gabbrielli, indicating a significant influence on the latter's work.
Biographies
The overview above is drawn from the following published accounts. Read them in the original:
John Dilworth+
PIATTELLINI, Gasparo Worked circa. 1738-1780 Florence Italy. Father or brother of Luigi Piatellini (I), below. Fine work on Gabrielli/Amati model with medium arch and excellent red-brown varnish. Delicate and refined edges with emphatic fluted channel. Soundholes a little weak; widely spaced and upright. Cellos particularly admirable. Manuscript labels: Gasparo Piattelini Fece / in Firenze Anno Domini, 1738 Gasparo / Piattelini / fece l’anno 1763
Willibald Leo Lütgendorff+
Vermuthlich der Lehrmeister G. B. Gabbrielli’s; wenigstens erinnert Manches in den Arbeiten des berühmteren Schülers an Piattellini.
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Working in Florence at the same time
Antonio Felice Carcassi worked 1770–1776
Fredimaur worked 1736–1760
Giovanni Baptista Birmetti worked 1770–1775
Giovanni Battista Gabrielli 1716–1771
Giovanni Bianchi worked 1746
Leopoldo Franciolini worked 1760–1785
Lorenzo And Tomaso Carcassi worked 1750–1780
Luigi (Aloysius) (I) Piattellini worked 1750–1791