Carlo (I) Guadagnini
Parma, 1768–1816
Carlo (I) Guadagnini (1768-1816) was an Italian luthier, born in Parma and active in Turin. He was involved in the renowned Guadagnini family of instrument makers, though sources conflict on whether he was the son of Giovanni Battista or Gaetano (I) Guadagnini. He worked with his brother Gaetano as 'Fratelli Guadagnini', primarily making guitars and performing violin repairs. His few recorded violins show stylistic similarities to Giovanni Battista Guadagnini. Carlo's legacy continued through his three sons, Gaetano (II), Giuseppe, and Felice, who also became instrument makers, focusing largely on restoration.
Auction Price History
Highest auction price
| Type | Details | Auction house | Sold | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violin | 1806 | — | April 1993 | £23,000 |
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Maker Overview
Life
Carlo (I) Guadagnini (1768-1816) was born in 1768 in Parma and died in 1816 in Turin, Italy. Sources contain conflicting information regarding his parentage. in The Brompton's Book of Violin & Bow Makers, he was the son, pupil, and successor of Giovanni Battista Guadagnini. However, Willibald Leo Lütgendorff in Die Geigen- und Lautenmacher vom Mittelalter bis zur Gegenwart, George Hart in The Violin, and Cecie Stainer in A Dictionary of Violin Makers state he was the son of Gaetano (I) Guadagnini, with Stainer adding he was the grandson of Giambattista Guadagnini. After his father's death, Carlo worked with his brother Gaetano as 'Fratelli Guadagnini', focusing on making guitars and carrying out violin repairs and adjustments. As his brother Gaetano had no heirs, the business passed to Carlo's eldest son, Gaetano (II), upon Gaetano's death in 1817.
Characteristics
- Primary Work
- Carlo (I) Guadagnini was chiefly known as a maker of guitars and a repairer of violins.
- Violin Characteristics
- Few violins by him are recorded. One example noted by John Dilworth features a scroll very much in the style of Giovanni Battista Guadagnini, characterized by a slightly eccentric outline with prominent, protruding corners, a slightly coarse finish, and yellow-amber varnish.
- Labels
- His instruments bear labels such as 'Carlo Guadagnini fece / in Torino nell’anno.. / C.G.T.' and 'Carlo Guadagnini fece / in Torino nell’anno.. / Dirimpetto a Facaldo./ C.G.T.'
- Carlo Guadagnini fece
in Torino nell’anno ..
C.G.T. Carlo Guadagnini fece
in Torino nell’anno ..
Dirimpetto a Facaldo.
C.G.TJohn Dilworth
Influence and legacy
- Mentorship:, he was a pupil of Giovanni Battista Guadagnini.
- Collaboration: He worked alongside his brother Gaetano under the name 'Fratelli Guadagnini'.
- Family Continuity: Carlo (I) Guadagnini left three sons, Gaetano (II), Giuseppe, and Felice, who all became violin makers.
- Business Succession: The family business was passed down to his eldest son, Gaetano (II), after the death of Carlo's brother Gaetano in 1817.
- Sons' Focus: His sons primarily dedicated their attention to the restoration of old instruments rather than new construction.
Biographies
The overview above is drawn from the following published accounts. Read them in the original:
John Dilworth+
GUADAGNINI, Carlo (I) Born 1768 Parma, died 1816 Turin Italy. Son, pupil, and successor of Giovanni Battista Guadagnini, below. After his father’s death worked with his brother Gaetano as ‘Fratelli Guadagnini’ making guitars and carrying out violin repairs and adjustments. Gaetano had no heirs, so on his death in 1817 the business passed to Carlo’s eldest son, Gaetano (II). Few violins recorded; one example has a scroll very much in the style of Giovanni Battista: slightly eccentric outline with prominent, protruding corners, slightly coarse finish, and yellow-amber varnish. Carlo Guadagnini fece / in Torino nell’anno .. / C.G.T. Carlo Guadagnini fece / in Torino nell’anno .. / Dirimpetto a Facaldo./ C.G.T. [Rosengard]
George Hart+
Son of Gaetano Guadagnini. This maker is chiefly known as a maker of Guitars. Carlo left three sons, Gaetano, Giuseppe, and Felice. These are said to have been all makers of Violins, though they accomplished but little in that direction, giving their attention chiefly to the restoration of old instruments.
Cecie Stainer+
Son of Gaetano, grandson of Giambattista Guadagnini. A maker of guitars at Turin about 1780. He also repaired instruments. His three sons, Gaetano, Giuseppe, and Felice, were all makers, but chiefly worked at repairing old instruments.
Willibald Leo Lütgendorff+
Sohn von Gaetano I. Er machte hauptsächlich Guitarren und beschäftigte
sich nur als Reparateur mit Geigen. Er hinterliess drei Söhne, Gaetano, Guiseppe
und Felice, die Geigenmacher wurden.
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