Angelo Soliani

History

Angelo SOLIANI (1752-1810) was a violin maker who worked in Modena, Italy. He was born in 1752 and passed away around 1810, according to John Dilworth. Karel Jalovec notes that Soliani came to Modena from Mantua. His work is described as good by Willibald Leo Lütgendorff and sometimes recalls the style of Guadagnini. Karel Jalovec further elaborates that Soliani worked in a beautiful manner and with much care, often following the pattern of J. B. Guadagnini II of Turin. His instruments are considered rare and valuable by Karel Jalovec.

Craft

• Model: Angelo Soliani's instruments often featured a rather flat model, as noted by Henri Poidras and Willibald Leo Lütgendorff, recalling Guadagnini with a low arch, according to John Dilworth. However, Karel Jalovec mentions that there are also works with a higher arching, and John Dilworth specifies some high-arched instruments on a narrower pattern.
• Materials: He utilized fine wood and fine materials, as stated by Karel Jalovec and John Dilworth, respectively.
• Sound-holes: The sound-holes were tastefully cut in the fashion of Guadagnini, according to Karel Jalovec.
• Scroll: His scrolls featured projecting inner windings, as described by Karel Jalovec, and John Dilworth characterizes them as small and pretty.
• Purfling: John Dilworth notes the presence of delicate purfling on his instruments.
• Varnish: Soliani's varnish was fine and effective, often yellow or orange, according to Henri Poidras. Karel Jalovec describes it as wonderful, with hues of yellow, light brown, or orange-red. John Dilworth mentions a golden-orange varnish, while Willibald Leo Lütgendorff refers to an amber-yellow or orange-red lacquer.
• Tone Qualities: The instruments possess powerful and clear tone qualities, which were greatly appreciated by artists, as reported by Henri Poidras. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff adds that his violins are good, bright-sounding orchestral instruments.
• Markings: Angelo Soliani's instruments were both branded and labelled, according to Henri Poidras. Karel Jalovec states that he used to brand a mark showing the sun emitting beams of light in the centre of the back (inside). John Dilworth confirms this, noting an internal 'shining sun' motif. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff also mentions the use of a brand mark in addition to his label. An example label reads: 'Angelus Soliani fecit / in Mutinae, 1789', as cited by John Dilworth.

Influence

• Style: His style often recalled that of Guadagnini, as noted by John Dilworth and Willibald Leo Lütgendorff. Karel Jalovec specifically states that he worked on the pattern of J. B. Guadagnini II of Turin and cut sound-holes in the fashion of Guadagnini.

Legacy

• Value: Angelo Soliani's instruments are considered rare and valuable, with Karel Jalovec noting a price of 80,000 Kc.

Further Information

• Working Locations: Angelo Soliani worked in Modena, Italy, having come there from Mantua, as detailed by Karel Jalovec and Willibald Leo Lütgendorff.

Summary

Angelo Soliani (1752-1810) was a respected violin maker based in Modena, Italy, originally from Mantua. His craftsmanship is noted for its beauty and care, often drawing inspiration from the patterns of J. B. Guadagnini II, particularly in the flat arching of his models, though some higher-arched instruments exist. Soliani utilized fine woods, crafted tasteful sound-holes, and produced instruments with small, pretty scrolls and delicate purfling. His instruments are recognized for their wonderful yellow, orange, or reddish varnishes and possess powerful, clear tone qualities. He marked his instruments with both labels and an internal 'shining sun' brand.