Gaspero Piattellini

History

Gaspero Piattellini (circa 1738-1780) worked in Florence, Italy. According to John Dilworth's The Brompton's Book of Violin & Bow Makers, he was either the father or brother of Luigi Piatellini (I). Willibald Leo Lütgendorff, in Die Geigen- und Lautenmacher vom Mittelalter bis zur Gegenwart, suggests that Piattellini was likely the teacher of G. B. Gabbrielli, noting that many aspects of the more famous pupil's work are reminiscent of Piattellini's. Manuscript labels found in his instruments include "Gasparo Piattelini Fece / in Firenze Anno Domini, 1738" and "Gasparo / Piattelini / fece l’anno 1763".

Craft

• Workmanship: Gaspero Piattellini produced fine work, often based on the Gabrielli/Amati model, characterized by a medium arch and excellent red-brown varnish.
• Design Details: His instruments featured delicate and refined edges with an emphatic fluted channel.
• Soundholes: The soundholes were noted as being a little weak, widely spaced, and upright.
• Cellos: His cellos were particularly admired.

Influence

• Mentorship: Willibald Leo Lütgendorff suggests that Gaspero Piattellini was likely the teacher of G. B. Gabbrielli, indicating a significant influence on the latter's work.

Summary

Gaspero Piattellini was an Italian violin maker active in Florence from approximately 1738 to 1780. He is noted for his fine craftsmanship, often utilizing the Gabrielli/Amati model, and for his excellent red-brown varnish. Piattellini's work featured delicate edges and an emphatic fluted channel, though his soundholes were described as somewhat weak. His cellos were particularly esteemed. Historical accounts suggest he may have been the teacher of G. B. Gabbrielli.