Giovanni Antonio Marchi

History

Giovanni Antonio Marchi (1727-1807) was born in 1727 in San Nicolo di Villola, Bologna, and died in 1807 in Bologna, Italy. According to John Dilworth, he moved to the city of Bologna around 1745 following the death of his father, who was a carpenter. Marchi began violin making in 1755, presumably as a pupil of Alessandro Fiorini. He established his workshop at 1854 via Bertiera Scoperto, an address now known as 6 via dell'Orso, while residing nearby at 1682 via Marsala. He was a well-respected maker during his lifetime and served as an informant to Count Cozio di Salabue. Few of his actual violins have survived. He is perhaps best known for his Manuscript on Violin Making, published in 1786, which stands as one of the earliest reliable treatises on the craft. Sources contain conflicting information regarding his working period; while John Dilworth provides specific life dates of 1727-1807, Cecie Stainer notes a working period of approximately 1740-1795. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff also suggests the possibility of another master of the same name existing in the 18th century, citing labels with dates up to 1774.

Craft

• Workmanship: His work is precise and well-finished, utilizing a personal model characterized by full arching of medium height and rather stiff, slanting soundholes. Cecie Stainer describes his violins as being of high model, while Willibald Leo Lütgendorff notes an idiosyncratic arching.
• Varnish: The varnish is described as durable golden-yellow or orange by John Dilworth, golden-yellow by Cecie Stainer, and dark golden-yellow or reddish-brown by Willibald Leo Lütgendorff.
• Scroll: His scroll is very well cut and accurately concentric, according to John Dilworth, and powerfully curved as per Willibald Leo Lütgendorff.
• Materials: Instruments often feature beautiful maple-wood for the back and sides, and good quality wood in general.
• Tone: His violins, particularly his violoncellos, are noted for their broad and full tone.
• Style: Willibald Leo Lütgendorff observes that his work sometimes recalls that of A. Gagliani.
• Labels: Examples of his labels include "Johannes Antonius Marchi / fecit Bononiae. Anno.." and "Joannes Antonius Marchi fecit Bononiae, anno 1774", with similar labels dated 1760 and 1792.

Influence

• Mentorship: He is presumed to have been a pupil of Alessandro Fiorini.

Legacy

• Contributions: Giovanni Antonio Marchi was an informant to Count Cozio di Salabue.
• Publications: He is best known for his Manuscript on Violin Making (1786), which is considered one of the earliest reliable treatises on the craft.

Further Information

• Workshop Location: His workshop was located at 1854 via Bertiera Scoperto, an address now known as 6 via dell'Orso.
• Residence: He lived at 1682 via Marsala.
• Label Inscriptions: His labels include "Johannes Antonius Marchi / fecit Bononiae. Anno.." and "Joannes Antonius Marchi fecit Bononiae, anno 1774", with other similar labels dated 1760 and 1792.