Amati > Makers Archive > G > Antonio Guadagnini

Antonio Guadagnini

Turin, 1831–1881

Son and pupil of Gaetano Guadagnini (II), below. Possibly spent some time in France during his apprenticeship. Many instruments bearing his label made for him by Mermillot and possibly other Mirecourt craftsmen. Also employed E. Marchetti, who probably played a very significant role in production of\u{2026} — John Dilworth

Worked Turin
Made Violin
Taught by Gaetano Guadagnini
Family Son of Gaetano Guadagnini

Auction Price History

Highest auction price

£42,000

7 results

Type Details Auction house Sold Price
ViolinLabelled Antonio Guadagnini fece Torino, anno 1869. AGT, inscribed Antonio Guadagnini Torino 1869 Lot 218Ingles & H.March 2025£42,000est. £ 35,000-60,000
Violin35.6 cm Turin, 1850 c. Ascribed toOctober 2011£9,600
Violin35.8 cm Attributed toDecember 2010£12,162
Violin35.6 cm Torino, 1855March 2008£25,320
Violin35.6 cm Possibly by & probably Turin schoolOctober 2007£37,125
Violin1864November 1999£22,000
Violin1851March 1990£24,200

Maker Overview

Life

Antonio Guadagnini (1831-1881) was born in 1831 and died in 1881 in Turin, Italy. He was the son and pupil of Gaetano Guadagnini (II) and the grandson of Carlo Guadagnini., he worked with much diligence and produced a great number of instruments. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff notes that he was a skillful and clean imitator of old masters, a repairer, and a constant supplier to the music lyceums in Turin and Pesaro. His sons, Francesco and Giuseppe, also became violin makers, continuing the family's long tradition.

Characteristics

Models
Antonio Guadagnini generally utilized Stradivari models, characterized by a fine low arch.
Varnish
His instruments typically featured a slightly brittle golden-red varnish.
Production Methods
Many instruments bearing his label were made for him by Mermillot and possibly other craftsmen from Mirecourt. He also employed E. Marchetti, who likely played a significant role in the production of his instruments.
Label
An example of his label reads: "Antonio Guadagnini fece / Torino, anno 1867 / A.G. / T."
Recorded labels
  • Antonio Guadagnini fece
    Torino, anno 1867
    A.G.
    TJohn Dilworth

Influence and legacy

  • Training: Antonio Guadagnini was the son and pupil of Gaetano Guadagnini (II).
  • Apprenticeship: He possibly spent some time in France during his apprenticeship.
  • Awards: Antonio Guadagnini was awarded medals in Turin in 1858, Florence in 1861, and Milan in 1881.
  • Family Continuity: His sons, Francesco and Giuseppe, followed in his footsteps, becoming violin makers and representing a long line of Italian violin makers in Turin.
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Biographies

The overview above is drawn from the following published accounts. Read them in the original:

John Dilworth+

GUADAGNINI, Antonio Born 1831, died 1881 Turin Italy. Son and pupil of Gaetano Guadagnini (II), below. Possibly spent some time in France during his apprenticeship. Many instruments bearing his label made for him by Mermillot and possibly other Mirecourt craftsmen. Also employed E. Marchetti, who probably played a very significant role in production of instruments. Medals awarded in Turin 1858, Florence 1861, and Milan 1881. Generally Stradivari models with fine low arch and slightly brittle golden-red varnish. Antonio Guadagnini fece / Torino, anno 1867 / A.G. / T.

George Hart+

Son of Gaetano and grandson of Carlo, born 1831, died 1881. Worked with much diligence, and produced a great number of instruments. His sons, Francesco and Giuseppe, now at Turin, are the representatives of a long line of Italian Violin-makers, and are learning the art so long associated with the family name, with a view to their following in the footsteps of their father Antonio.

Cecie Stainer+

Son of Gaetano, grandson of Carlo Guadagnini, b. 1831 ; d. 1881 at Turin. He made a great many instruments.

Willibald Leo Lütgendorff+

Sohn von Gaetano und Enkel von Carlo. Tüchtiger und sauberer Nachahmer
alter Meister; Reparateur und ständiger Lieferant der Musiklyceen in
Turin und Pesaro, ein ungemein fleissiger Geigenmacher. Auch seine beiden
Söhne Francesco und Giuseppe sind Geigenmacher geworden.

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