Giovanni Varotti
worked 1786–1825
Giovanni VAROTTI was an Italian violin maker active from approximately 1786 to 1825, primarily in Bologna, though he may have originated from Argilo. His instruments, while sometimes described as peculiar in form, were noted for their very good tone qualities. He employed a golden-yellow varnish and often used double purfling, with outlines influenced by G. P. Maggini and sound-holes patterned after Andrea Guarneri. A notable example of his work was owned by Emanuel Adam Homolka, who used it as a model for his own creations.
Auction price history
Highest auction price
| Type | Details | Auction house | Sold | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violin | 1791 | — | June 2002 | £9,200 |
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Maker Overview
Life
Giovanni VAROTTI (circa 1786-1825). Sources contain conflicting information regarding his working dates; Cecie Stainer notes him as a maker in Bologna in 1813, Karel Jalovec specifies 1786-1815, while John Dilworth states he worked circa 1786-1825. He appears to have originated from the rural surroundings of Bologna, possibly Argilo, and was established in Bologna from 1790.
Characteristics
- Model & Outline
- His instruments' outline was designed. John Dilworth describes his early work as rather eccentrically high-arched, later adopting a Stainer-derived model with a slightly square outline. Henri Poidras refers to his work as a "third rate make with an original model."
- Construction Details
- Karel Jalovec observed rather high edges, sharp corners, and neatly finished work. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff noted his violins were "more peculiar than beautiful in form."
- Purfling
- Most of his instruments featured double purfling.
- Scrolls
- Karel Jalovec described his scrolls as gracefully carved, though John Dilworth characterized them as cramped.
- Sound-holes
- The sound-holes were cut on the pattern of Andrea Guarneri, but John Dilworth also described them as cramped.
- Varnish
- He used a golden-yellow varnish, which Karel Jalovec specifically mentioned, and John Dilworth generally noted as fine.
- Materials
- John Dilworth mentioned fine materials, and Karel Jalovec specifically noted that Varotti also used pear wood for the backs of his instruments.
- Tone
- The tone of his instruments is consistently described as good; Karel Jalovec stated it was "very good," Henri Poidras highlighted that "The interest of these instruments lies mainly in their tone qualities," and Willibald Leo Lütgendorff noted they "sound not bad."
- Joannes Varotti fecit
Bononiae Anno 1790John Dilworth
Influence and legacy
- Critical Reception: Henri Poidras classified him as a "third rate make," while Willibald Leo Lütgendorff commented that his violins were "more peculiar than beautiful in form."
- Notable Ownership: Emanuel Adam Homolka of Velvary owned a violin by Varotti, which was coated with a golden-yellow varnish and featured double purfling. Homolka subsequently built a violin for the choir of Velvary based on this model, as detailed by Karel Jalovec.
- Market Value: Willibald Leo Lütgendorff noted his instruments reached prices up to 800 M, and Karel Jalovec mentioned a price of 40,000 Kc.
Biographies
The overview above is drawn from the following published accounts. Read them in the original:
John Dilworth+
VAROTTI, Giovanni Worked circa. 1786-1825 Argilo & Bologna Italy. Early work rather eccentrically high-arched. Established in Bologna from 1790. Stainer-derived model with slightly square outline. Cramped soundholes and scroll. Fine varnish and materials. Some instruments with double purfling. Joannes Varotti fecit / Bononiae Anno 1790
Cecie Stainer+
A maker in Bologna in 1813.
Willibald Leo Lütgendorff+
Er scheint aus der ländlichen Umgebung (aus Argile?) Bolognas zu stammen und aus keiner besseren Schule hervorgegangen zu sein. Seine Geigen sind daher auch mehr eigenartig als schön in der Form, klingen aber nicht schlecht und erreichen desshalb Preise bis 800 M.
Henri Poidras+
Third rate make with an original model. The interest of these instruments lies mainly in their tone qualities.
Karel Jalovec+
Bologna 1786—1815. The outline of his instruments, designed according to G. P. Maggini, is handsome. Rather high edges, sharp corners, neatly finished, mostly double purfling, gracefully carved scrolls. The sound-holes are cut on the pattern of Andrea Guarneri. Golden-yellow varnish. The tone of his instruments is very good. Emanuel Adam Homolka of Velvary owned a violin by this master, which was coated with a golden-yellow varnish and provided with double purfling: on this model Homolka built a violin for the choir of Velvary. Varotti also used pear wood for the backs of his instruments. Price 40.000 Kc.
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