Enrico Marchetti

History

Enrico Marchetti (1855-1930) was born in Milan in 1855 and died in Turin, Italy, in 1930. He is regarded as the best Turin maker of the 20th century, according to The Brompton's Book of Violin & Bow Makers by John Dilworth. Marchetti worked in Turin from approximately 1874. Initially, he worked with B. Giofffredo (Rinaldi) and subsequently with A. Guadagnini. A prize awarded to Guadagnini in 1881, the year of Guadagnini's death, was later disputed by Marchetti, who had made the instrument on Guadagnini's behalf. Marchetti established himself independently in 1881 at 10 Piazza Vittorio Emanuele I. He resided in Cuorgné from 1893 to 1912. During his career, he was assisted by his son Vittorio, R. Marengo, and A. Curletto.

Craft

• Work: Marchetti produced fine copies of classical works, specialising in Pressenda and the Neapolitan school.
• Models: His early work featured a long pattern Stradivari model, and he later made copies of more obscure makers, often utilising false labels.
• Materials & Varnish: He used good materials and a good transparent yellow varnish.
• Branding: Some examples of his instruments are branded 'E.M.' on the lower rib, or internally 'E. Marchetti Torino'.
• Labels: An example of his label reads: 'Enrico Marchetti Mediolanensis / Premiato con diciotto Medaglie alle / primarie Esposizioni estere e nazionali / fecit Taurini anno Domini, 1924'.

Influence

• Training: Enrico Marchetti trained with L. Bajoni and G. Rossi in Milan.
• Collaborations: He worked initially with B. Giofffredo (Rinaldi) and subsequently with A. Guadagnini.

Legacy

• Awards: Marchetti received awards at numerous exhibitions, including Turin 1884, Antwerp and Paris 1885, Paris 1886, and Toulouse 1887. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff notes that he received a silver medal in Antwerp in 1885.
• Exhibitions: He exhibited in Milan in 1894 and Turin in 1898.
• Family Continuity: His son, Vittorio, assisted him in his work.

Further Information

• Workshop Address: From 1881, his independent workshop was located at 10 Piazza Vittorio Emanuele I.
• Residence: He resided in Cuorgné from 1893 to 1912.

Summary

Enrico Marchetti (1855-1930) was a highly regarded Italian violin maker, considered the best in Turin during the 20th century. He trained with L. Bajoni and G. Rossi in Milan before working in Turin with B. Giofffredo (Rinaldi) and A. Guadagnini. Establishing his own workshop in 1881, Marchetti was known for his fine copies of classical works, particularly those of Pressenda and the Neapolitan school, often using good materials and transparent yellow varnish. He received numerous awards at international exhibitions and was assisted by his son, Vittorio.