Felice Beretta

History

Felice Beretta (circa 1760-1790) worked in Como, Italy, during the period of approximately 1760 to 1790, though Cecie Stainer suggests his activity was closer to 1760-1785. He identified himself as a pupil of Giuseppe Guadagnini. Labels found in his instruments, such as one in an alto, read "Felice Beretta, allievo di Guiseppe Guadagnino, fece in Como, l'anno 1784" according to Stainer, who also notes a similar label dated 1782. John Dilworth provides a slightly different transcription for a label from 1782: "Felice Beretta / allievo di Giuseppe Guadagnini / fece in Como d’Anno 1782."

Craft

• Workmanship: Felice Beretta's workmanship was considered rather indifferent, and his violins were generally inferior, a sentiment echoed by John Dilworth, Willibald Leo Lütgendorff, and Cecie Stainer.
• Modelling: His instruments featured flattish modelling.
• Style: The style of his instruments was very much in the Guadagnini tradition.
• Head: The head of his instruments was noted as being slightly clumsy.
• Wood Quality: Beretta often used poor quality wood, which was probably not well-seasoned, leading to evident distortions in some cases, as observed by Dilworth. Lütgendorff also noted a lack of care in wood selection, and Stainer stated he used "bad wood."
• Varnish: He applied a golden-yellow varnish that was described as a little thin by Dilworth, and of poor quality by Stainer.

Influence

• Mentorship: Felice Beretta was a pupil of Giuseppe Guadagnini, a fact he himself claimed on his labels and which is corroborated by multiple sources including John Dilworth, Willibald Leo Lütgendorff, and Cecie Stainer.

Further Information

• Labels: Printed labels found in his instruments include "Felice Beretta, allievo di Guiseppe Guadagnino, fece in Como, l'anno 1784" and "Felice Beretta / allievo di Giuseppe Guadagnini / fece in Como d’Anno 1782." Sources contain conflicting information regarding the exact spelling of his teacher's first name (Guiseppe vs. Giuseppe) and the specific year on some labels (1782 and 1784 are both cited).