Giovanni Tononi

History

Giovanni Tononi (circa 1640-1713) was born around 1640 and died in 1713 in Bologna, Italy. Sources contain conflicting information regarding his parentage: John Dilworth states he was the son of Gaspare, a 'case-maker', while Karel Jalovec, Willibald Leo Lütgendorff, Cecie Stainer, and Henri Poidras identify him as the son of Felice Tononi. Giovanni Tononi was active from 1688, with Cecie Stainer noting he worked in Bologna until about 1705. It is probable that his son Carlo, along with Guidanti, may have participated in his workshop. Karel Jalovec suggests he worked in Bologna, Venice, and Rome, though it has been asserted, but not fully proved, that he also worked in Rome.

Craft

• Workmanship: Giovanni Tononi's work is described as very fine and distinguished, though quite variable, according to John Dilworth. Henri Poidras notes his superior workmanship. Karel Jalovec highlights his excellent workmanship, faultlessly finished purfling, narrow and cleanly rounded-off edges, and gracefully cut sound-holes and scrolls.
• Models: He worked according to the models of different masters, primarily in the style of Nic. Amati, whose pattern he enlarged, as noted by Karel Jalovec, Willibald Leo Lütgendorff, and Cecie Stainer. Some instruments exhibit a slightly boxy character in the Stainer manner, while others show generally fuller modelling, according to John Dilworth.
• Arching & Edges: His violins are slightly arched. Some instruments feature quite dished edges and a medium height of arch, while others have broad edges and corners, as described by John Dilworth.
• Heads & Scrolls: The heads are distinctive, with the volute often small and cramped, particularly on cellos. Some display a broad and well-handled chamfer, while others show a less confident line. Karel Jalovec notes gracefully cut scrolls.
• Soundholes: The soundholes are well cut and open, featuring slender, slightly pointed wings, which may be set a little close together, according to John Dilworth.
• Purfling: The precise purfling is made of beech with long corner mitres, as detailed by John Dilworth. Karel Jalovec mentions faultlessly finished purfling.
• Varnish: The varnish is very changeable, ranging from an Amati-like golden honey-brown to a darker red-brown, with a variety of textures, according to John Dilworth. Karel Jalovec describes it as yellow or light brown-red, always of beautiful lustre and excellent quality. Cecie Stainer notes a beautiful yellow colour on his violins. Henri Poidras mentions an effective light yellow or brown-red varnish.
• Materials: He used a wide range of materials, from very plain maple backs to intensely figured root wood and subtly figured slab-cut pieces. Conventional jointed straight figured backs are comparatively rare, as observed by John Dilworth. Karel Jalovec notes his use of fine wood.
• Renowned Instruments: While some violas are recorded, his cellos are particularly renowned and most impressive, recalling the best Venetian work of Gofriller, according to John Dilworth. Karel Jalovec and Willibald Leo Lütgendorff also state that his cellos and violas are his best instruments.

Further Information

• Labels: Labels found on his instruments include "Joannes de Tononis fecit Bononiae / in Via Mamuli Anno 1699" and "Joannes Tunonus fecit Bononiae / in Platea Pavaglionis Anno Domini 1690", as cited by John Dilworth. Other labels mentioned by Cecie Stainer are "Joannes de Tononis fecit Bononiae in Platea Paviglionis, anno 17—" and "Joannes de Tononis fecit Bononiae, anno 17—".
• Workshop Locations: His workshop locations included Via Mamuli and Platea Pavaglionis in Bologna.
• Pricing: Karel Jalovec indicates a price of 80,000 Kc for his instruments, with cellos commanding a higher price.

Summary

Giovanni Tononi, active from the late 17th to early 18th century, was a distinguished luthier based primarily in Bologna, Italy. He is noted for his fine, though variable, workmanship and his adherence to the Nic. Amati model, which he often enlarged. His instruments, particularly his cellos and violas, are highly regarded, showcasing distinctive heads, well-cut soundholes, and precise purfling. Tononi utilized a diverse range of woods and varnishes, contributing to the unique character of his creations.