the ex-robert bower
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Fine & Rare Instruments
The Ex-Robert Bower
An Important Italian Violin by Giovanni Battista Rogeri, Brescia 1692
The Ex-Robert Bower An Important Italian Violin by Giovanni Battista Rogeri, Brescia 1692
Bearing an original label and dated 1692
Length of back: 351mm
Sold with the certificate of W.E. Hill & Sons, London, 1946.
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Giovanni Battista Rogeri is one of the few luthiers who emerged from an apprenticeship with Nicolo Amati and forged a successful independent career. Established in Brescia from at least 1664, he seems to have retained all the characteristic elements of Amati’s technique and accurate craftsmanship, while developing a recognisably original style of his own. This seems to reference Stainer in the archings and soundholes, but the delicate corners, and bold carving of the head are quite personal.
This violin comes from quite late in his working life, and is a mature and refined example. Rogeri consistently used extremely fine materials, and deep and regular figure throughout the maple parts, often cut from the same log, is frequently encountered in his instruments. Here, the ribs have a slightly lighter flame than the back and scroll, but the effect is harmonious. The head is typical of his work; the scroll is quite large but neatly concentric, very flat around the pegbox sides and first turn of the volute, but cut deeply into the eye. Regular small vertical gouge strokes, seen all around the upright wall of the spiral, are another defining feature. The varnish is somewhat worn, but rich, dark amber colours remain in the edges of the back. Rogeri does not seem to have used the redder shades found in Cremona, and most of his work has a pale golden yellow appearance, very much like that of the early Amatis, and using a similar ground.
The violin has an honourable provenance, having been part of the extensive collection of Robert Bower of Minehead in the mid-twentieth century. Bower was a renowned collector, whom W.E.Hill & Sons supplied with many of the finest Italian works, including the 1721 ‘Lady Blunt’ Stradivari and the 1738 ‘Kemp/Emperor’ Guarneri del Gesu. Several other distinguished instruments still bear his name.
WATC H T H I S V I O L I N B E I N G P L AY E D
Consigned to Brompton’s June Fine Sale
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Fine & Rare Instruments
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