Giulio Cesare Gigli, fine 18th century Italian violin, approx. 1760 (certificate by Etienne Vatelot)

Giulio Cesare Gigli, Italian violin maker of the Roman school (Rome 1724 – 1794)

This fine Italian master violin by Giuio Cesare Gigli is an extremely interesting and rare instrument dating back to around 1760, and its large, radiant voice will satisfy the highest soloist standards. Only a few other pieces by its maker, Giulio Cesare Gigli, have survived, and recent research has shown that he represented the Roman school. The influence is clear in the stylistic elements distinctly linking Giulio Cesare Gigli to his teacher Michael Platner. This link made Giulio Cesare Gigli the figurative heir of the great David Tecchler, who clearly influenced Michael Platner as a teacher and partner. The violin we present here serves as another piece of the mosaic in a largely undocumented chapter of violin-making history, and the instrument’s authenticity is confirmed by an appraisal of the internationally renowned expert. Like many top-tier Italian luthiers, Giulio Cesare Gigli demonstrated his mastery by integrating an unconventional touch: here, the artistic flourish is seen in his choice of a slightly worm-damaged wood and the idiosyncratic style of the rather broad purfling. The scroll is a magnificent piece of virtuoso craftsmanship that was probably made by Lorenzo Storioni, who applied his label to this violin. This unknown master at a later date showed great care and sensitivity in replacing the original ribs with new ones, doing so in a manner that reflects the great esteem this instrument has rightfully earned. After having been thoroughly set up at our workshop, this rare eyewitness to classic Italian violin making now offers demanding musicians an array of interesting musical interpretations. Included in the price is a certificate of authenticity by Paris expert Etienne Vatelot and a dendrochronology report that dates the youngest tree ring to 1752. Bank transfer payments only, please ask for a fully insured shipping quote..