Dictionary of Makers

Giovanni Francesco Celoniati was thought to be a pupil of Cappa, but the lack of similarity in their working methods suggests otherwise. This misapprehension may be due to the fact that both makers were much influenced by the Amatis, but Celoniati seems also to have admired Carlo Bergonzi, as reflected in the rather angular centre bouts and slantingfholes of his violins.

 

Celoniati's instruments are very rare, but show him to have been a fine craftsman who is perhaps better known for his cellos than for his violins.