Jose (I) Contreras

History

Jose (I) Contreras (circa 1710-1775/1780) was born around 1710 in Granada and died in Madrid, Spain, in 1775, though some sources, such as Cecie Stainer, suggest his death occurred around 1780. He is widely regarded as the greatest Spanish violin maker, known by the epithet 'Il Grenadino' or 'Granadino' due to his birthplace. Contreras worked in Madrid from approximately 1740 or 1745. According to John Dilworth, he was strongly influenced by Stradivari, whose instruments were gaining recognition in the Spanish court during this period. However, Dilworth notes that Contreras's style was quite distinct from Stradivari's, exhibiting an impromptu quality in its finish and technique. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff states that while Sandys and Forster suggest he copied Stradivari, his model more frequently aligned with that of Guarneri. A beautiful violin by Contreras, featuring a yellow-red varnish, from the collection of Prince Caraman-Chimay, was exhibited in Paris in 1878.

Craft

• Workmanship: George Hart describes his workmanship as superior, while Cecie Stainer notes it as beautifully finished. John Dilworth mentions an 'impromptu feeling' to the finish and technique.
• Model and Outline: His model is considered very good by George Hart. The outline is quite variable, generally broad and flat-arched. A violin exhibited in Paris in 1878 was slightly arched.
• Varnish: John Dilworth describes it as a very good quality rich light golden-brown. Cecie Stainer notes a yellow-red colour that was very brilliant.
• Sound-holes: The sound-holes are described as well cut.
• Scroll: The scroll is noted as rather heavy.
• Tone: Contreras's instruments have a good reputation for powerful tone and presence.
• Instrument Rarity: Cellos by Contreras are rare, and no violas have been recorded.

Influence

• Influences: Jose (I) Contreras was strongly influenced by Stradivari, whose instruments were becoming known in the Spanish court. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff notes that he copied Italian makers, specifically mentioning Stradivari and Guarneri.
• Style: George Hart suggests that Contreras probably lived in Italy during his early life, contributing to his Italian style.

Legacy

• Reputation: Jose (I) Contreras is recognized as the greatest Spanish violin maker.
• Exhibitions: A beautiful violin by him was exhibited in Paris in 1878.
• Accuracy of Copies: Cecie Stainer notes that he made such fine copies of Stradivari's instruments that they were often mistaken for the originals.

Further Information

• Label Inscriptions: An example label reads: "Matriti per Granadensem / Josephum Contreras / Anno 1760" (John Dilworth). Another label from a violin exhibited in Paris in 1878 states: "Matriti per Granadensem Josephum Contreras, anno 1760."
• Label Discrepancy: Willibald Leo Lütgendorff notes that Vidal misread the dwelling place as "Matxiti" instead of "Matriti," and this reading error has since appeared in all writings based on Vidal.

Summary

Jose (I) Contreras (circa 1710-1775/1780), known as 'Il Grenadino', was a highly influential Spanish violin maker born in Granada. He worked in Madrid from around 1740, becoming renowned as the greatest Spanish luthier. Contreras was significantly influenced by Italian masters like Stradivari and Guarneri, producing instruments with a powerful tone and a distinctive, albeit variable, style characterized by a rich golden-brown or yellow-red varnish. His workmanship was considered superior, and his copies of Stradivari's instruments were often mistaken for originals. A notable violin by him was exhibited in Paris in 1878.