Erminio Montefiori (1847-1904)
La Spezia 1841 - Marseille 1904 Trained as a sculptor, Erminio Montefiori started violin making as an amateur, and only later he became a professional luthier. His style is very impressive: deeply inspired by the makers of Genova of the 18th century and always very personal and instinctive. This instrument is made upon a model from Bernardo Calcanius, and shows the tipical features of the work of Montefiori, especially in the carving of the scroll, revealing a very skilled and talented hand. We can consider Montefiori as a unique and gifteds maker, with a very special taste in copying instruments: his interpretations are at the same time 'classical' for the deep respect of the ancient tradition of violin making of Genova, and 'modern' for his individual and free inspiration.
Genova 1892 | ||||
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