Fra Agostino Facini

History

Fra Agostino Facini (circa 1731-1742) was a monk of the Order of Saint Jean de Dieu who worked in Bologna, Italy. According to John Dilworth in The Brompton's Book of Violin & Bow Makers, he worked circa 1731-1742 in Bologna, Italy. However, Vannes cites an inscription 'Facini di Venezia anno 1698' and speculates that this may be the same maker, indicating conflicting information regarding his working dates and location. A manuscript label reads: 'Fr. Augustinus Facini / Ords. S. Joanis de Deo / fecit Bononiae. 1737'.

Craft

• Workmanship: Instruments produced by Fra Agostino Facini are characterized by good work and attractive form.
• Varnish: Willibald Leo Lütgendorff, in Die Geigen- und Lautenmacher vom Mittelalter bis zur Gegenwart, notes a beautiful yellow varnish, while John Dilworth describes a fine yellow-brown varnish.
• F-holes: The F-holes are cut after Stradivari.
• Tone: The tone of his instruments is soft and noble.
• Models: He utilized Cremonese models.
• Scroll: Instruments feature a nicely carved scroll.

Influence

• Mentorship: Henley suggests that Fra Agostino Facini was a pupil of Tononi.

Further Information

• Working Period & Location: Circa 1731-1742 in Bologna, Italy.
• Label Inscription: A known manuscript label reads: 'Fr. Augustinus Facini / Ords. S. Joanis de Deo / fecit Bononiae. 1737'.