(Tamigardi, Tanigher) Giovanni Giorgio Taningard

History

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.

Craft

• 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."

Influence

• 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.

Further Information

• Workshop Location: Taningard's workshop was located in Rome, specifically occupying the premises of the lute maker Antonio Giauna near the Oratorio della Caravita.
• Authentic Label Example: An example of his authentic labels reads: "Giorgio Tanigher Fecit in Roma / Anno Domini 1698".
• Variant Spellings: He is also known by several alternative spellings of his surname, including Tanigardi, Tanigher, and Tannengard.

Summary

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.

His instruments, especially his highly acclaimed cellos, are celebrated for their exquisite modelling, graceful scrolls, and rich red-brown varnish, often echoing the stylistic hallmarks of David Tecchler, despite frequent misattribution due to counterfeit labels.