TESTORE, PAOLO ANTONIO
Born 1690, Son of Carlo Giuseppe. Worked at Milan until 1759. Style and workmanship somewhat similar to the father’s, though possibly less good. Produced a large number of instruments, but comparatively few seem to have his label. Modelling of medium proportions, moderate arching, semi-Guarnerian sound-holes and waist curves – insignificant scroll. Quite commonly omitted purfling, very occasionally applied to top plates, and substituted black lines on bottom plates. Several instruments purfled by later hands. Generally poor and unflamed wood, belly material often of wide grain. Pale yellow shade of thin varnish seldom nicely applied, occasionally one of better quality with a tinge of brown in it. Tonal quality which causes a soloist to oscillate between satisfaction and disappointment, gratified with its undoubted resonance and power, but desiring greater purity. Produced lutes and guitars of quite superior style. Some excellent violas known – body length 16-1/2 inches.
Paolo Antonio Testore
Milan 17 . .
Paolo Antonio Testore
figilo de Carlo Giuseppe Testore in
Contrada larga di Milano
al segno dell’ aquila, 1759
Also branded with the double eagle. £450, 1960.
