Reference Library Makers

Active ca 1750-1800

A follower of C.F. Landolphi in Milan, and a stylish and very competent maker in his own right, working in partnership with his brother Domenico. His instruments are generally better finished than those of Landolphi. He used good, red brown varnish and a full arch. His sons Francesco and Carlo participated in later work, and subsequently became well-known for their repairs and renovations. They are credited with initiating the general modernisation of earlier violins by grafting and adjusting their generally shorter, flatter and thicker necks. The Mantegazzas also worked closely with Count Cozio di Salabue, the eminent connoisseur and collector of the time, and were his chief informants about the history and practices of the craft.