CALCANIUS, BERNARDUS
Bernardo Calcani
Worked at Genoa 1710-1750. Had Antonio Pazarini for a partner during later years.
Slightly reduced Stradivarian and Guarnerian models, with a little more arching – many resembling the Guadagnini’s of Parma period. Very acceptable workmanship. Rather small-proportioned and not completely artistic scroll – longish and narrow, with accentuated boss. Excellently cut sound-holes showing careful zeal for symmetry. Invariably pretty wood, often one-piece backs with flame slightly slanting downwards from left to right. Three varnishes – a lustrous orange-red, a perfect golden, and a few in brilliant yellow, all slightly heavy in application.
Violas usually 42-1/2 cm. body length. Today’s price ￡250 to ￡300.
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Bernardus Calcanius facis
Genuae Anno 1750
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Bernardus Calcanius
fecit Genuae, anno 1727.
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A cross, sometimes within a circle, follows the date. Name occasionally given as ‘Calcagni’. Some instruments bear Guarnerius labels.