Fermo School
Andrea Postacchini
Fermo, 1781–1862
Attended seminary for the priesthood, but took up violin making. Apparently self-taught. Prolific maker of inconsistent quality, known as ‘Il Stradivari della Marche’. Various models: Amati, Gagliano and later Stradivari. Some with poor finish and inked purfling. Later work comparatively sophisticat\u{2026} — John Dilworth
Auction price history
Highest auction price
| Type | Details | Sold | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violin | Labelled Andreas Postacchini Firmanus fecit, sub titulo S. Raphaelis Archang. 1855 | February 2024 | £35,858 |
| Violin | 35.7 cm Fermo, 1810 c. | May 2011 | £32,775 |
| Cello | 74.2 cm [Attributed to] | May 2011 | £10,197 |
| Violin | 35.6 cm Fermo, 1850 c. | June 2008 | £9,633 |
| Violin | 35.1 cm 19th C. [Ascribed to] | March 2008 | £9,375 |
| Violin | 35.3 cm 1840 c. | July 2007 | £30,000 |
| Violin | 1810 | June 1994 | £26,450 |
| Violin | 1818 | March 1990 | £12,100 |
Biographies
The overview above is drawn from the following published accounts. Read them in the original:
John Dilworth+
POSTACCHINI, Andrea Born 1781, died 1862 Fermo Italy. Attended seminary for the priesthood, but took up violin making. Apparently self-taught. Prolific maker of inconsistent quality, known as ‘Il Stradivari della Marche’. Various models: Amati, Gagliano and later Stradivari. Some with poor finish and inked purfling. Later work comparatively sophisticated. Varnish from meagre-textured deep orange in early period to bright red-brown. Violas and cellos of generally on Stradivari models. Also made double basses and guitars. Manuscript label: Andrea Postacchini amici / filius fecit Fermi / anno 1813 Printed labels: Andreas Postacchini Amici filius / fecit Firmi Anno 1819. Opus III. Andreas Postacchini Firmanus fecit / sub titulo S. Raphaelis Archang. 1854
Cecie Stainer+
b. in Firmo, and was working there in 1824. He was excellent both as a maker and as a repairer of instruments.
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Pupils
Raphael Postacchini Pupil
Family
Working in Fermo at the same time
Raphael Postacchini 1823–1892