Giovanni Battista (I) Grancino

Life

Giovanni Battista (I) Grancino (1637-1709) was a prominent Milanese violin maker. Sources contain conflicting information regarding his parentage; while John Dilworth states he was the eldest son of Andrea Grancino, Willibald Leo Lütgendorff indicates he was the son of Paolo. He lived and worked in the Contrada Larga in Milan, a common area for Milanese violin makers, and his shop was identified by the sign 'della Corona' according to his labels. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff suggests he initially settled in Ferrara before returning to Milan. After early work with his brother, Giovanni Battista (I) Grancino developed a distinctive and original style, establishing himself as the foremost maker of the Milan school. He taught his son, Giovanni Battista (II), but disinherited him in 1709 due to his involvement in the murder of Antonio Maria Lavazza. However, Cecie Stainer mentions he had two sons, Francesco and Giam Battista, both makers, without detailing the disinheritance.

Characteristics

Stylistic Development

His earlier work, was broad and similar to that of Andrea Guarneri, which later evolved into a very personal and elegant model.

Edges and Corners

John Dilworth notes his distinctive style included a narrow edge with delicate, slightly drooping upper corners.

Archings

His instruments featured a low but pinched arching, and were not as arched as his father's work.

Soundholes

John Dilworth highlights beautifully rendered soundholes with a strong Stradivarian influence, characterized by broad wings.

Scroll

The scroll is very distinctive, with deeply dished and narrow volutes and a small eye of almost conical shape.

Varnish

The varnish is typically of a rich yellow-gold colour, or deep yellow to orange-red.

Wood Selection

Willibald Leo Lütgendorff states he surpassed his father in wood choice, a point, who noted his wood was more carefully chosen.

Tone

His instruments are known for a large and powerful tone.

Workmanship

Cecie Stainer notes that the details of his instruments were not always very carefully finished.

Violas

A very fine double-purfled contralto viola is in the collection of the Royal Academy of Music, London, though John Dilworth suggests he rarely made violas without his brother's assistance.

Cellos

Cellos are more common but were made on a very large pattern, with most in use today having been cut down.

General Pattern

Many of his violins, violas, and violoncellos were made on a large flat pattern.

Influence and legacy

• Teacher: Cecie Stainer identifies him as a pupil of his father.
• Pupils: He was the teacher of Carlo Antonio Testore and his son, Giovanni Battista (II) Grancino.
• Employer: He employed Bartolomeo Pasta, who was previously a pupil of Nicolò Amati in Cremona.
• Stylistic Influences: His early work showed characteristics similar to Andrea Guarneri, and his soundholes exhibited a strong Stradivarian influence.
• Notable Instruments: A double-purfled contralto viola by Giovanni Battista (I) Grancino is held in the collection of the Royal Academy of Music, London.
• Market Value: Willibald Leo Lütgendorff noted that at the time of his writing, Grancino's best works were commanding prices of 2500 Marks.

Further Information

• Shop Sign: His shop was identified by the sign 'della Corona' ('at the sign of the Crown'), which appeared on his labels, as mentioned by John Dilworth and Cecie Stainer.
• Address: He worked in the Contrada Larga in Milan, as indicated on his labels and noted by John Dilworth and Cecie Stainer.
• Labels: Examples of his labels include "Gio. Bapt. Grancino in Contrada / Largha di Milano, anno 16.." and "Gio. Grancino al Segno della Corona / in Contrada larga di Milano, fece 16.." (John Dilworth), and "Giovanni Grancino in Contrada Largha di Milano, al segno della Corona, 1721." (Cecie Stainer).