Ettore Soffritti

History

Ettore SOFFRITTI (1877-1928) was born on June 3, 1877, in Ferrara, Italy, and passed away on January 5, 1928, in the same city. He was the son of Luigi Soffritti, and according to John Dilworth and Henri Poidras, he was his pupil. Karel Jalovec, however, states he was 'perhaps' his pupil. Soffritti was a loyal and very distinguished exponent of the 'Emilian school' and was knighted in 1925.

Craft

• Workmanship: His work is characterized by neatness and organization, featuring softened but well-defined rounded edges.
• Scroll: The scroll is beautifully concentric and finely balanced, with a delicately rounded and consistent chamfer.
• Archings: Instruments feature low archings.
• Soundholes: The soundholes are excellently placed and cut.
• Varnish: He utilized a fine, transparent oil varnish that was soft and reflective, appearing in various shades of golden-orange. Henri Poidras notes the varnish was either of a gold yellow shade or gold red.
• Inspiration: His works were crafted after the style of the great Cremonese masters.

Influence

• Mentorship: Ettore Soffritti was the son and pupil of Luigi Soffritti, who was himself a clever maker.
• School & Inspiration: He was a distinguished exponent of the 'Emilian school', inspired by Marconcini.
• Influence: Soffritti, in turn, inspired many other makers in the Emilia Romagna region.

Legacy

• Awards: He was awarded medals in Rome in 1923, Brussels in 1910, and Ferrara and Turin in 1911.
• Prizes: Soffritti received a Gold Medal at the Exhibition of Brussels and the First Prize at the Instrument competition of the Saint Cecilia Academy of Rome in 1923.
• Honors: He was knighted in 1925.

Further Information

• Branding & Labels: Some instruments were branded 'E.Sofritti'. Labels included 'Hector Soffriti filius Aloysj / fecit Ferrariae An. Dom.', 'Ettore Soffritti / Premiato con Medaglie d'oro/ figlio ed allievo del Luigi / Fece in Ferrara l'anno 19..', and 'Ettore Soffritti / Premiato con Medaglie d'oro / all'Esposizione Intrenazionale di Bruxelles / Fece in Ferrara l'anno 19..'. Henri Poidras notes that he used four different labels.

Summary

Ettore SOFFRITTI (1877-1928) was an Italian master violin maker born in Ferrara, Italy, and was the son and pupil of Luigi Soffritti. A distinguished exponent of the 'Emilian school', he was known for his neat and well-organized work, low archings, and fine transparent oil varnish in golden-orange shades, inspired by the great Cremonese masters. He received numerous accolades, including medals in Rome, Brussels, Ferrara, and Turin, and was knighted in 1925.