Giovanni Battista Ceruti

History

Giovanni Battista Ceruti (1756–1817) was born in Sesto Cremonese and died in Cremona, Italy. According to George Hart, Cecie Stainer, and Willibald Leo Lütgendorff, Ceruti succeeded Lorenzo Storioni's business in the Via dei Coltellai, near Piazza San Domenico, in 1790. However, John Dilworth states that he "probably took over the business in via de Caltellai when Storioni ceased work in 1802," presenting conflicting dates for the succession. Ceruti was a successful maker who continually refined his style and finish, and, according to Dilworth, he played a significant role in sustaining the otherwise declining school of violin making in Cremona at the turn of the nineteenth century. Due to illness, he had to hand over his workshop to his son even before his death, as noted by Lütgendorff. He made a large number of instruments, estimated at approximately 500 violins and violoncellos, according to Hart, Lütgendorff, and Stainer.

Craft

• Innovation: Giovanni Battista Ceruti continually refined his style and finish, a hallmark of his successful career as described by John Dilworth.
• Materials: His choice of materials was variable, often comprising local wood of utilitarian rather than prime quality, according to John Dilworth.
• Methods: Ceruti's work shows influences from both the Bergonzi brothers and Lorenzo Storioni, as noted by John Dilworth. His instruments frequently feature a scroll with a characteristically extended last turn behind the eye. Lütgendorff states that he modeled instruments after Guarneri, less often after Stradivari, but predominantly after the large Amati model, a preference also noted by Hart and Stainer. Cecie Stainer records that he adhered to his master's principles, producing very good instruments with carefully finished work. However, John Dilworth describes his execution as "often rather crude," noting "a little ragged" surfaces and "purfling unevenly inlaid," which presents a clear contradiction in historical assessments of his finish quality. His varnish is described variably: John Dilworth characterizes it as dark, slightly hard, but very evenly applied, while Cecie Stainer mentions yellow varnish, sometimes with a reddish tinge. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff provides a broader range, stating that his varnish varied from light amber yellow to the deepest red.

Influence

• Training and Mentorship: Accounts regarding Ceruti's training vary. Count Cozio di Salabue, as cited by John Dilworth, suggests Ceruti was a pupil of Count Luigi Maggi in Cremona, although no trace of Maggi’s work has survived. Dilworth also posits that he "may have learned his craft from Nicola and Carlo (II) Bergonzi." Conversely, both Willibald Leo Lütgendorff and Cecie Stainer identify him as a pupil of Lorenzo Storioni. John Dilworth further notes Ceruti's close association with Lorenzo Storioni.
• Schools/Tradition: Ceruti is recognized for his role in sustaining the otherwise declining school of violin making in Cremona at the turn of the nineteenth century, as noted by John Dilworth. Lütgendorff adds that while he was 'only a weak imitator of his great predecessors,' the 'traditions of the school from which he emerged' are still recognizable in his works.

Legacy

• Modern Recognition: Ceruti's instruments were highly sought after for their superior tone, as mentioned by John Dilworth. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff further adds that 'the tone is noble and has naturally gained much with age.'

Further Information

• Technical Characteristics: Giovanni Battista Ceruti's instruments frequently feature a scroll with a characteristically extended last turn behind the eye. His labels are sometimes found with the inscription 'Jo: Baptista Ceruti Cremonensis / fecit Cremonæ An. 1801.'
• Historical Uncertainties: Accounts conflict regarding Giovanni Battista Ceruti's primary teacher, with some sources suggesting Count Luigi Maggi or the Bergonzi brothers, while others name Lorenzo Storioni. There is also a discrepancy in the date he took over Storioni's business, with sources citing both 1790 and 1802. Furthermore, historical descriptions of his varnish color and the overall finish quality of his instruments present contradictions.

Summary

Giovanni Battista Ceruti (1756–1817), born in Sesto Cremonese and active until his death in Cremona, was a significant figure in Cremonese violin making. He is widely cited as having succeeded Lorenzo Storioni's business in the Via dei Coltellai, though the exact year (1790 or 1802) remains a point of contention among historical accounts. Ceruti was a prolific maker, producing an estimated 500 violins and violoncellos, largely based on the large Amati model, and occasionally inspired by Guarneri or Stradivari. While his training is variously attributed to Count Luigi Maggi, the Bergonzi brothers, or Lorenzo Storioni, he maintained a close association with Storioni and was noted for continually refining his style. Despite some descriptions of his work as crude in execution, he played a crucial role in sustaining Cremonese violin-making traditions during a period of decline at the turn of the nineteenth century. His instruments were highly valued for their superior tone, which reportedly improved significantly with age. Discrepancies exist in descriptions of his varnish, which is noted as varying from dark and evenly applied to light amber yellow or deep red, and in the perceived quality of his finish, with some sources noting careful execution and others describing ragged surfaces and uneven purfling.