Antonio Casini

History

Antonio Casini (1630-1690) was a prominent maker active in Modena, Italy, from approximately 1660 to 1700, according to Cecie Stainer. Born in 1630 and dying in 1690, as noted by John Dilworth, he was considered a fine and interesting maker, though his instruments are rare. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff identifies him as the best-known Modenese violin maker of his era and a highly industrious master. Casini held an appointment as luthier to the ducal court of Modena, which, as John Dilworth suggests, would have provided him with knowledge of many principal makers of the period. Sources contain conflicting information regarding his death date; while John Dilworth states 1690, Willibald Leo Lütgendorff mentions instruments bearing his label with the year 1710.

Craft

• Workmanship: Cecie Stainer describes his workmanship as fair, while John Dilworth notes a slightly coarse finish despite a rich varnish. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff states that his work is good, with clean ebony inlay, and F-holes and scrolls of good form. Due to the large quantity of instruments produced, Lütgendorff suggests he worked in a very craftsmanlike manner.
• Models: His violoncellos were made on a large pattern, a characteristic noted by both Cecie Stainer and John Dilworth. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff indicates that his better violins were based on the Amati model. John Dilworth also observes that his style is reminiscent of Giuseppe Guarneri 'filius Andreae'.
• Varnish: The varnish on his instruments is described by Cecie Stainer as a clear chestnut or brown colour. John Dilworth refers to it as a rich varnish, and Willibald Leo Lütgendorff specifies it as chestnut brown.

Influence

• Training: Although his apprenticeship remains unknown, John Dilworth suggests that his position as luthier to the ducal court of Modena would have afforded him knowledge of the principal makers of his time.
• Stylistic Influences: Willibald Leo Lütgendorff notes that his finer violins followed the Amati model, leading some to speculate that he might have been a pupil of the Amati family. John Dilworth also identifies a stylistic resemblance to Giuseppe Guarneri 'filius Andreae'.

Further Information

• Labels: Antonio Casini utilized various labels. Examples include "Antonio Casini / Modena 1658", "Antonio Casini / Modena 1673", "Antonio Casini, fecit Muttinae, anno 1683", and "Antonius Cassinus fecit / Mutinae anno 1687".

Summary

Antonio Casini (1630-1690) was a notable and industrious luthier active in Modena, Italy, from approximately 1660 to 1700, serving as luthier to the ducal court. Though his instruments are rare, he is recognized for his good workmanship, clean ebony inlay, and well-formed F-holes and scrolls. He crafted large violoncellos and violins often based on the Amati model, with a clear chestnut or brown varnish. His court position likely exposed him to leading makers of his era, and his style shows resemblances to both Amati and Giuseppe Guarneri 'filius Andreae'. He used various labels throughout his career.