Rome School
(Tamigardi, Tanigher) Giovanni Giorgio Taningard
Rome, c.1665–1717
Giovanni Giorgio Taningard (c.1665-c.1717) was a distinguished luthier of the Roman school, known for his independent workshop established in Rome from 1695, following his training as a pupil and son-in-law of A. Platner.
Auction price history
Highest auction price
| Type | Details | Sold | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cello | 75.1 cm Rome, 1700 c. | March 2010 | £55,250 |
| Violin | [Probably by] | October 2005 | £2,620 |
| Cello | 1703 | January 1982 | £4,840 |
Maker Overview
Life
Giovanni Giorgio Taningard (c.1665-c.1717), a significant figure in the Roman school of lutherie, was born around 1665 in Vienna, Austria, and passed away around 1717 in Rome, Italy, as documented by John Dilworth. While sources like Karel Jalovec suggest an active period in Rome from 1735 to 1750, John Dilworth's research indicates his earlier presence and influence. Taningard was the esteemed pupil and son-in-law of A. Platner, and he embarked on his independent career from 1695.He notably took over the workshop of the lute maker Antonio Giauna, situated near the Oratorio della Caravita in Rome, where he was recorded until 1714, at which point Michele Toller assumed control of the premises. His craftsmanship bore a strong resemblance to the style of David Tecchler, a characteristic that, unfortunately, led to many of his authentic labels being replaced by counterfeit Tecchler tickets. This practice unjustly diminished his recognition as one of the definitive masters of the Roman school.
Characteristics
- Archings
- His instruments exhibit a slightly arched form, with archings reminiscent of those crafted by Jacob Stainer.
- Wood Quality
- The wood utilized in his instruments is consistently of good quality.
- Purfling Detail
- The purfling on his instruments is characterized by its delicate and refined finish.
- Scroll Carving
- Taningard's scrolls are carved with a graceful aesthetic, though occasionally they display a slightly unrefined quality with a shortened final turn, distinguishing them from Tecchler's more extended spirals.
- Soundhole Design
- He incorporated broadly spaced and upright soundholes, drawing inspiration from the Amati style.
- Varnish Application
- His instruments feature a range of varnishes, including a dark red, a fine golden-yellow and red-brown, or a richly colored red-brown application.
- Modelling Characteristics
- A hallmark of his work is the very fine modelling and a broad overall aspect of his instruments.
- Instrument Specialization
- His violoncelli are highly regarded as "very good," and his cellos are considered among the "best."
- Giorgio Tanigher Fecit in Roma
Anno Domini 1698John Dilworth
Influence and legacy
- Mentorship and Family Ties: Giovanni Giorgio Taningard was the pupil and son-in-law of the esteemed luthier A. Platner.
- Stylistic Alignment: His craftsmanship closely mirrored the style of David Tecchler, and he frequently utilized outlines designed by Tecchler himself.
- School Affiliation: He is recognized as one of the definitive and influential makers within the Roman school of lutherie.
Biographies
The overview above is drawn from the following published accounts. Read them in the original:
John Dilworth+
TANINGARD (TANIGARDI, TANIGHER, TANNENGARD), Giovanni Giorgio Born circa. 1665 Vienna Austria, d.c.1717 Rome Italy. Pupil and son-in-law of A. Platner. Established independently from 1695, occupying the workshop of the lute maker Antonio Giauna near the Oratorio della Caravita. Recorded there until 1714, when the premises were taken over in turn by Michele Toller. Workmanship very much in the style of David Tecchler, with the consequence that many of his original labels have been replaced by false Tecchler tickets depriving him of his rightful status as one of the definitive makers of the Roman school. Violins and especially cellos of broad aspect. Very fine modelling. Broadly spaced and upright Amatis� soundholes. Scrolls a little unrefined with a shortened final turn in contrast to the extended spiral characteristic of Tecchler. Fine richly coloured red-brown varnish. Giorgio Tanigher Fecit in Roma / Anno Domini 1698 [Lebet]
Willibald Leo Lütgendorff+
Er wird gewöhnlich Tanigardi genannt, einer seiner Zettel giebt den Namen jedoch ausdrücklich »Taningard« an, so dass man an einen verwelschten deutschen Namen denken kann. Er steht wie die meisten Römer Tecchler nahe und verwendet braunrothen Lack. Seine Violoncelli sind recht gut.
Henri Poidras+
Dark red varnish. His instruments are a little arched.
Karel Jalovec+
Rome. 1735—1750. Worked, very skilfully, on the outlines designed by Tecchler, making the archings like Jacob Stainer. The wood is good, the purfling delicately finished, the scrolls carved in a graceful manner. He applied a fine golden-yellow and red-brown varnish. Best are his ‘cellos. Price 20.000 Kc, ‘cello more.
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Working in Rome at the same time
(Domenico) Michele Platner 1684–1752
Alberto Platner 1642–1713
Antonio Cardarelli 1632–1690
Catarina Conelli b. 1639
David Tecchler 1666–1747
Francesco Juliano worked 1690–1730