Commonly known as “Peter of Venice”. Born at Cremona, 1695. Son of Joseph--Guarneri,Giuseppe (filius Andrea) . Worked with his uncle Petrus in Mantua, 1725-1739. Then at Venice till 1762, the year of death.
In selecting the full-proportioned outline patronised by his uncle he had perhaps the best method of facilitating the acquisition of any excellence. The imitation, however, is not servile. Servile imitation is that which obeys the dictates of a master without venturing to inquire into the reason of it. The servile imitator paces the same round like the mill-horse whose eyes are hoodwinked, that he may not be allowed by intervening objects to deviate from the circle into a path of his own choice.
This Petrus had knowledge and prudence, therefore he avoided singularity in not carrying the high arching so near to the edges as the other did; grading perfectly exquisite. Sound-holes less perpendicular too. Perhaps the wide scroll is prettier though lacking the peculiar fullness and robustness of the other, and the turn ends at centre slightly short of the conventional design. Varnish of that lovely Venetian quality so frequently quoted and praised by experts - a golden-amber colour tinted with orange of reddish tinge. Wood for table sometimes of even grain with a pretty wave in places, and for backs (usually one-piece) a broadly-figured maple.
Tone of remarkable sonority, and very responsive to the bow. Instruments less esteemed than those of his uncle. General dimensions: body length, 14 inches full; upper bouts, 6-5/8; lower bouts, 8-1/8. Several really magnificent ’cellos; lovely wood, and his usual superb varnish. £1,000 to £1,500, 1959.
Commonly known as “Peter of Venice”. Born at Cremona, 1695. Son of Joseph--Guarneri,Giuseppe (filius Andrea) . Worked with his uncle Petrus in Mantua, 1725-1739. Then at Venice till 1762, the year of death.
In selecting the full-proportioned outline patronised by his uncle he had perhaps the best method of facilitating the acquisition of any excellence. The imitation, however, is not servile. Servile imitation is that which obeys the dictates of a mas...
Guarneri,Petrus (2)
