Italy School
Sesto Rocchi
Milan, San Polo D'enza, 1909–1991
Sesto Rocchi (1909-1991) was an Italian luthier and violinist, born in San Polo d'Enza and active in Reggio Emilia. He trained under Gaetano Sgarabotto and Leandro Bisiach, and worked for Ströbl in Berlin. Rocchi is known for producing around 300 instruments, including quartets and a copy of the Stradivari 'Medici' quintet, utilizing classical modelling and a distinctive deep golden red-orange varnish.
Auction price history
Highest auction price
16 results
| Type | Details | Auction house | Sold | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violin | Labelled with signature "Mantegna" Sesto Rocchi da S. Polo Fece l'anno 1974 S.R., inscribed on the back Lot 212 | Ingles & H. | March 2025 | £19,800est. £ 18,000-25,000 |
| Viola | Labelled Raggio di Sole, Sesto Rocchi da S. Polo, fece l'anno 1959, signed to the label, inscribed fatto x ... Lot 17 | Tarisio | March 2024 | £17,700est. £ 15,000-22,000 |
| Violin | Milan, 1933 | — | October 2011 | £10,800 |
| Violin | 35.6 cm San Polo D'Enza, 1977 | — | October 2010 | £19,200 |
| Violin | 35.7 cm San Polo D'enza, 1975 | — | October 2007 | £10,278 |
| Violin | San Polo D'enza, 1968 | — | November 2005 | £10,200 |
| Cello | S. Polo, 1963 | — | June 2005 | £14,490 |
| Violin | 1932 | — | October 2002 | £5,805 |
| Violin | 1979 | — | June 2002 | £7,549 |
| Violin | 1980 | — | March 2002 | £5,875 |
| Viola | 42.0 cm 1956 | — | November 2001 | £4,894 |
| Violin | 1972 | — | October 2000 | £8,054 |
| Violin | 1981 | — | November 1998 | £5,175 |
| Violin | 1979 | — | March 1998 | £8,625 |
| Violin | 1964 | — | June 1987 | £2,310 |
| Violin | 1800 c. | — | March 1986 | £4,180 |
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Maker Overview
Life
Sesto ROCCHI (1909-1991) was born on October 4, 1909, in San Polo d'Enza, Italy, and passed away in 1991 in Reggio Emilia. He was both a violinist and a luthier, establishing himself independently in Reggio Emilia after working for Ströbl in Berlin. completed approximately 300 instruments, including 10 quartets and one copy of the complete Stradivari 'Medici' quintet.
Characteristics
- Modelling
- Sesto Rocchi employed classical modelling, following the styles of Stradivari and Guarneri.
- Varnish
- His instruments featured a deep golden red-orange varnish as quite thick textured. Karel Jalovec notes that he applied a yellow or red varnish.
- Labels
- Rocchi used both manuscript and printed labels. An example of a manuscript label reads: 'Sesto Rocchi da S. Polo / fece l'anno 19'. Printed labels include: 'Rocchi Sextus Regiensis-All. / L.Bisiach. Faciebat Anno 1935' and 'Sextus Rocchi / Regiensis fecit 1948 S.R.'
- Exhibitions
- He exhibited a violin and a quartet at Cremona in 1937.
- Rocchi Sextus Regiensis-All.
L.Bisiach. Faciebat Anno 1935John Dilworth - Sextus Rocchi
Regiensis fecit 1948John Dilworth
Influence and legacy
- Mentorship: Sesto Rocchi was a pupil of Gaetano Sgarabotto in Parma and Leandro Bisiach in Milan.
Biographies
The overview above is drawn from the following published accounts. Read them in the original:
John Dilworth+
ROCCHI, Sesto Born 1909 San Polo d’Enza, died 1991 Reggio Emilia Italy. Violinist and luthier. Pupil of G. Sgarabotto in Parma and L. Bisiach in Milan. Worked in Berlin for Ströbl. Established independently in Reggio Emilia. Completed 300 instruments, 10 quartets, and one copy of the complete Stradivari ‘Medici’ quintet. Classical modelling. Deep golden red-orange varnish, quite thick textured. Manuscript label: Sesto Rocchi da S. Polo / fece l’anno 19 Printed labels: Rocchi Sextus Regiensis-All. / L.Bisiach. Faciebat Anno 1935 Sextus Rocchi / Regiensis fecit 1948 S.R.
Karel Jalovec+
S. Paolo d’Enza (Reggio Emilia) b. Oct. 4, 1909, pupil of Gaetano Sgarabotto, followed Stradivari and Guarneri and applied a yellow or red varnish. Exhibited a violin and a quartet at Cremona 1937.
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