For sale

Iconography
Birth : 1900 in Medolla, Modena (Italy) Death : 1995

Biography

Giuseppe PELLACANI was born in Medolla, in the province of Modena, on August 23, 1900. (1)
At an early age while practicing the violin and becoming an excellent instrumentalist, he devoted himself to the art of Violin making.

Nicolini states that he was a pupil of BIANCHI in Nice. (2) This cannot under any circumstances, refer to Nicolo BIANCHI, as is sometimes stated in certain biographies, since the latter died in 1881. It can only refer to Albert BLANCHI, whose workshop PELLACANI most likely joined around 1930, later becoming his assistant and collaborator for nearly a decade, as indicated by Rene Vannes.(3)
In the late 1930’s,for a short period of time, PELLACANI joined the workshop of Enzo ARASSI in Milan. From 1941 onwards his labels indicate his location as Gaggio di Piano (Modena).(4)
From the 1960’s on, his labels simply bear the location “Modena”.

Works
It is reported that, following the advice of ARASSI, PELLACANI developed his interest in the GUARNERI model from 1946 onward, although his production also includes instruments after STRADIVARI and, more rarely, after other makers of the classical period, such as a violin dated 1940 inspired by Giuseppe CERUTTI, visible on the BROBST Violins website. (5)

PELLACANI’s instruments are distinguished by their high level of craftsmanship, the care taken in the selection of the woods, the transparency and richness of the varnish, as well as their tonal qualities.
These qualities were recognized from 1959 onward through awards at international competitions.
His total production amounts to 137 violins, 26 violas, and 72 cellos, a large proportion of which were exported to Germany, Switzerland, Japan, France, and the USA. (1)

Labels and Stamp
The printed labels are completed in pen with the date and serial number.
The geographical location, depending on the period, is either handwritten or printed.
Some instruments might have a dedication to a composer or a notable individual, as found on the label of violin no.79, dated 1961, and dedicated to Dag Hammatskjold.(4)
The dedication might also be found on the inside of the neck block.
Stamp brands are found on the back, inside, and above the label.
Sometimes, the lower rib is also stamped.

Awards and medals
1959 Médaille d’argent. Ascoli Piceno
1967 Médaille d’or. Cremona

Sources
1 - Karel Jalovec. Crown Publishers, n.d.
2 - (Nicolini Gualterio, 1991)
3 - (Vannes R., 1981)
4 - https://tarisio.com/cozio-archive/property/?ID=98898
5 - https://brobstviolinshop.com
(More specific publication references are available in our Bibliography section.)

© Viaduct Violins – All rights Reserved. – 2003 - 2026 .
Select a Maker

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W