This attractive Italo-American violin is among the highlights of our May auction. Simone Sacconi was an exceptionally fine copyist and leading violin expert, who was also famed for his repair and restoration work.
Born in Rome and largely self-taught beyond a short time assisting Giuseppe Rossi, he made the study of Stradivari his life’s work. Early in his career he used his acquaintance with Giuseppe Fiorini to familiarize himself with the Stradivari workshop’s moulds and patterns, which Fiorini had acquired. His first-class technical skills and impeccable taste enabled him to take the art of copying Stradivari and Guarneri to an outstanding level of perfection.
In 1931 Sacconi moved to New York, where he headed the workshops of Emil Herrmann and then Rembert Wurlitzer, recruiting many talented makers. Through his expertise he helped to build both into world-class establishments, and Wurlitzers became one of the most important violin firms of all time. He also revolutionized the art of restoration during this time, through his insistence on near-invisible repairs and the use of minimally invasive techniques. Sacconi later taught making in Cremona and published The ‘Secrets’ of Stradivari, now a seminal work in the violin literature.
This violin, made on a golden-period Stradivari model and dated 1950, shows Sacconi’s thorough understanding of the great maker and his unrivalled ability to copy the old Italian varnish. It was presented as a Christmas gift by Sacconi to his close friend and fellow fishing enthusiast Charles Haag, and is offered for sale by Haag’s descendants. It is in excellent condition.
The violin is available to view in our New York offices before the sale. To make an appointment, email info@tarisio.com or call +1 212 307 7224.