Giovanni Battista Guadagnini, following Antonio Stradivari and Giuseppe Guarneri “del Gesu,” has been known as one of the greatest violin makers in history and left most unique artwork for the following generations.
He developed his violin making activities in five cities in his life. His career started in Piacenza around 1740, and moved to Milan in 1749, which was the center of arts in those days, following Carlo Ferrari’s advice, a cellist and one of his friends.
This violin was made in Milan in 1752. Like the other violins made in that period, it is made of highest class of wood and is clad in reddish transparent varnish.
From the energetically cut f-holes and the animated feeling of the flat arch, it can be told that Guadagnini was changing his style better in performance-effectiveness and sound in creative manners, after some feedback from violinists.
Its deep, warm and strong sound has charmed many audiences.
After Guadagnini passed away, this violin was loved and used by Franz Kneisel, a violinist.
Kneisel was inaugurated as a conductor of Boston Symphony Orchestra in 1885, and from 1905, he taught many would-be violinists at the Institute of Musical Art in New York (the forerunner of the Juilliard School).