Dictionary of Makers

Very little is known about Gregorio Antoniazzi. It has been suggested that he was distantly related to the Antoniazzi family of Milan, but the lack of intervening generations of violin makers would make that unlikely. His instruments, which are extremely rare, give the im- pression that he probably learned the craft from one of the Venetian or Bolognese makers ofthe period, but his name has not been found in the Venetian archives, so again this is nothing more than supposition.

 

The 1738 violin featured here shows the maker's excellent choice of wood, and fine craftsmanship. His scrolls are very distinctive, and a comparison with the Montagnana scroll on page 405 reveals some interesting similarities. What we do know about Antoniazzi for certain is that he was active in Colle in the Veneto region in the middle of the 18th century and that his few extant works are often misattributed.