Anselmo Bellosio

History

Anselmo Bellosio (1743-1793): Born in Cassine, Piedmont, in 1743, and died in Venice, Italy, in 1793, as detailed by John Dilworth in The Brompton’s Book of Violin & Bow Makers. He hailed from a family of organ builders. Around 1763, he relocated to Venice. His career as a violin maker commenced in 1770 within the workshop of Giorgio Serafin, a workshop he subsequently took over in 1779. Pietro Novello, a fellow employee, continued as Bellosio's assistant after the transition (Dilworth). Cecie Stainer, in A Dictionary of Violin Makers, and Willibald Leo Lütgendorff, in Die Geigen- und Lautenmacher vom Mittelalter bis zur Gegenwart, identify him as a pupil of Santo Serafino.

Craft

• General Reputation: John Dilworth considers him "the last great maker of the classical school in Venice." However, Cecie Stainer notes that "as a rule his instruments are not so well made as those of his master," a sentiment echoed by George Hart, who states his workmanship is "very inferior" to Santo Serafino's. Lütgendorff, while acknowledging he didn't equal his master, still regarded him as "einer der besseren Geigenbauer seiner Zeit" (one of the better violin makers of his time).
• Outline and Arching: Instruments are "beautifully made, with a distinctive outline showing slightly pointed upper bouts" (Dilworth). The arch is described as "full" (Dilworth).
• Edgework and Purfling: Edgework is "deep," and the purfling and corners are "elegant and strongly emphasised" (Dilworth).
• Scroll: Characterized as "large and relatively clumsy, with an extended last turn behind a large boss" (Dilworth).
• Varnish: John Dilworth describes the varnish as "a rich red-brown laid over a golden ground, fully compatible with the best Venetian work." In contrast, Lütgendorff suggests that "besseres Holz und schönerer Lack zu wünschen wäre" (better wood and more beautiful varnish were often desired).
• Known Instruments: Several small-sized violas are known (Dilworth). Stainer also mentions he "made good violoncellos."

Influence

• Training: He was a pupil of Santo Serafino, as stated by Cecie Stainer and Willibald Leo Lütgendorff. He also worked in the workshop of Giorgio Serafin (Dilworth).
• Notable Pupils: M. A. Cerin was a pupil (Stainer, Lütgendorff). Pietro Val. Novello was also a pupil and his assistant (Dilworth, Lütgendorff).

Legacy

• Historical Standing: Generally regarded by John Dilworth as "the last great maker of the classical school in Venice."
• Pupil Recognition: His pupils, including Marc. Ant. Cerin and Pietro Val. Novello, frequently referred to him on their labels to enhance their own reputations (Lütgendorff).

Further Information

• Labels: Examples include "Anselmus Bellosius fecit / Venetiis, 1776" and "Anselmij Bellosij fecit / Venetiis, 17.." (Dilworth).

Summary

Anselmo Bellosio (1743-1793) was a Venetian violin maker, born in Cassine, Piedmont. He moved to Venice around 1763, becoming active as a maker in 1770 in Giorgio Serafin's workshop, which he took over in 1779. Considered by John Dilworth as the last great maker of the classical school in Venice, his instruments are noted for their distinctive outline, full arch, and elegant edgework, though his scrolls are described as large and clumsy. While Dilworth praises his rich red-brown varnish, other sources like Lütgendorff suggest that better wood and varnish were sometimes desired. He was a pupil of Santo Serafino and taught notable makers such as M. A. Cerin and Pietro Novello.