Giovanni Varotti

History

Giovanni VAROTTI (circa 1786-1825). Sources contain conflicting information regarding his working dates; Cecie Stainer notes him as a maker in Bologna in 1813, Karel Jalovec specifies 1786-1815, while John Dilworth states he worked circa 1786-1825. He appears to have originated from the rural surroundings of Bologna, possibly Argilo, and was established in Bologna from 1790, according to Willibald Leo Lütgendorff.

Craft

• Model & Outline: His instruments' outline was designed according to G. P. Maggini, as noted by Karel Jalovec. John Dilworth describes his early work as rather eccentrically high-arched, later adopting a Stainer-derived model with a slightly square outline. Henri Poidras refers to his work as a "third rate make with an original model."
• Construction Details: Karel Jalovec observed rather high edges, sharp corners, and neatly finished work. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff noted his violins were "more peculiar than beautiful in form."
• Purfling: Most of his instruments featured double purfling, according to Karel Jalovec and John Dilworth.
• Scrolls: Karel Jalovec described his scrolls as gracefully carved, though John Dilworth characterized them as cramped.
• Sound-holes: The sound-holes were cut on the pattern of Andrea Guarneri, as stated by Karel Jalovec, but John Dilworth also described them as cramped.
• Varnish: He used a golden-yellow varnish, which Karel Jalovec specifically mentioned, and John Dilworth generally noted as fine.
• Materials: John Dilworth mentioned fine materials, and Karel Jalovec specifically noted that Varotti also used pear wood for the backs of his instruments.
• Tone: The tone of his instruments is consistently described as good; Karel Jalovec stated it was "very good," Henri Poidras highlighted that "The interest of these instruments lies mainly in their tone qualities," and Willibald Leo Lütgendorff noted they "sound not bad."

Legacy

• Critical Reception: Henri Poidras classified him as a "third rate make," while Willibald Leo Lütgendorff commented that his violins were "more peculiar than beautiful in form."
• Notable Ownership: Emanuel Adam Homolka of Velvary owned a violin by Varotti, which was coated with a golden-yellow varnish and featured double purfling. Homolka subsequently built a violin for the choir of Velvary based on this model, as detailed by Karel Jalovec.
• Market Value: Willibald Leo Lütgendorff noted his instruments reached prices up to 800 M, and Karel Jalovec mentioned a price of 40,000 Kc.

Further Information

• Workshop Locations: He worked in Argilo and Bologna, Italy, according to John Dilworth.
• Label: An example of his label reads "Joannes Varotti fecit / Bononiae Anno 1790," as cited by John Dilworth.

Summary

Giovanni VAROTTI was an Italian violin maker active from approximately 1786 to 1825, primarily in Bologna, though he may have originated from Argilo. His instruments, while sometimes described as peculiar in form, were noted for their very good tone qualities. He employed a golden-yellow varnish and often used double purfling, with outlines influenced by G. P. Maggini and sound-holes patterned after Andrea Guarneri. A notable example of his work was owned by Emanuel Adam Homolka, who used it as a model for his own creations.