United States School
Simone Fernando Sacconi
Point Lookout NY, Rome, 1885–1974
Pupil of Giuseppe Rossi from 1903. Worked with Giuseppe Fiorini. Established independently in Rome from 1912. After military service in 1916-1918, appointed luthier to the San Cecilia Academy 1925. Emigrated to the USA 1931 to work for Emil Herrmann and joined Rembert Wurlitzer’s shop 1951. Possibly\u{2026} — John Dilworth
Auction price history
Highest auction price
10 results
| Type | Details | Auction house | Sold | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violin | 35.5 cm after "Stradivarius" | — | March 2011 | £48,000 |
| Violin | 35.2 cm After the 'Lord Wilton' Del Gesu | — | April 2010 | £45,036 |
| Violin | 35.5 cm Point Lookout, NY, 1950 | — | May 2009 | £46,584 |
| Violin | 35.7 cm Rome, 1921 | — | October 2007 | £25,702 |
| Violin | 35.6 cm Rome, 1925 | — | October 2007 | £24,500 |
| Violin | 1925 | — | June 2001 | £16,100 |
| Violin | 1928 | — | May 2000 | £31,900 |
| Violin | 1929 | — | November 1993 | £11,500 |
| Violin | 1940 | — | November 1988 | £15,400 |
| Violin | 1930 | — | November 1980 | £1,320 |
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Maker Overview
Life
Simone Fernando SACCONI (1885-1974) was born in Rome in 1885 and died in 1974 in Point Lookout, New York, USA. Sources contain conflicting information about his birth year, with Karel Jalovec stating 1895. He was a pupil of Giuseppe Rossi from 1903 and also worked with Giuseppe Fiorini. Sacconi established himself independently in Rome from 1912. After military service between 1916 and 1918, he was appointed luthier to the San Cecilia Academy in 1925. He emigrated to the USA in 1931 to work for Emil Herrmann and later joined Rembert Wurlitzer's shop in 1951. He is considered by some to be the greatest luthier of the 20th century, mentoring many distinguished craftsmen in fine restoration work. A great number of Stradivari and other fine Italian works passed through his hands, benefiting immensely from his dedicated and thoughtful restoration. His activities as a maker were quite restricted once he was in New York.
Characteristics
- Making Style
- Most instruments were made as close copies of individual Stradivari works.
- Varnish
- He applied orange-yellow or brown varnish of beautiful lustre.
- Output
- Up to 70 violins, 12 violas, and 16 cellos are recorded, with most of these made in Italy.
- Later Work
- From 1941, his new instruments were made in Point Lookout, New York, which was also the place of his retirement.
- Branding
- Some instruments were branded on the lower rib with 'Fernando Sacconi, Roma' or 'Fernando Sacconi / fece, Roma. Anno 1925' or 'Simone Fernando Sacconi / fece in New York anno 1947'.
- Some instruments branded on the lower rib: ‘Fernando Sacconi, Roma’ Fernando Sacconi
fece, Roma. Anno 1925John Dilworth - Simone Fernando Sacconi
fece in New York anno 1947John Dilworth
Influence and legacy
- Training: He was a pupil of Giuseppe Rossi from 1903.
- Mentorship: He mentored many other distinguished craftsmen in fine restoration work.
- Publications: His book I 'Segreti' di Stradivari, published in Cremona in 1972, is considered the most important technical work on the subject of Stradivari's methods.
- Honors: He was made an Honorary Citizen of Cremona in 1972.
- Exhibitions: A Loan Exhibition was held in New York in 1966 to honor his 70th birthday, and its published catalogue is an important source.
- Notable Users: His instruments were much in favor with active artists, including the violinist Arrigo Serato and the 'cellist Arturo Bonucci.
Biographies
The overview above is drawn from the following published accounts. Read them in the original:
John Dilworth+
SACCONI, Simone Fernando Born 1885 Rome, died 1974 Point Lookout, New York USA. Pupil of Giuseppe Rossi from 1903. Worked with Giuseppe Fiorini. Established independently in Rome from 1912. After military service in 1916-1918, appointed luthier to the San Cecilia Academy 1925. Emigrated to the USA 1931 to work for Emil Herrmann and joined Rembert Wurlitzer’s shop 1951. Possibly the greatest luthier of the 20th century, he mentored many other distinguished craftsmen in fine restoration work, but his activities as a maker were quite restricted once in New York. A great number of Stradivari and other fine Italian works passed through his hands and benefitted immeasurably from his dedicated and thoughtful restoration work. His book I ‘Segreti’ di Stradivari (Cremona, 1972) is the most important technical work on the subject of Stradivari’s methods. The 1966 Loan Exhibition in New York was held to honour his 70th birthday, and the published catalogue is itself an important source. Made an Honorary Citizen of Cremona in 1972. Most instruments made as close copies of individual Stradivari works. Up to 70 violins, 12 violas, and 16 cellos are recorded, but most of these were made in Italy. From 1941 his new instruments were made in Point Lookout, New York; the place of his retirement. Some instruments branded on the lower rib: ‘Fernando Sacconi, Roma’ Fernando Sacconi / fece, Roma. Anno 1925 Simone Fernando Sacconi / fece in New York anno 1947
Karel Jalovec+
Rome. Born 1895. Pupil of Gius. Rossi. Worked very carefully on the pattern of Stradivari. Applied orange-yellow or brown varnish of beautiful lustre. Instruments by him are much in favour with active artists; they were played by the violinist Arrigo Serato and the ‘cellist Arturo Bonucci.
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Working in Point Lookout NY at the same time
A. Pedroni b. 1867
Albert Ferdinando Moglie 1890–1983
Alberto Moretti worked 1900
Angelo De Vilonni worked 1885–1915
Antonio Accardi worked 1880
Antonio Merosi worked 1899
Antonio Sgarbi 1866–1938