Giovanni Tononi

Violin maker
(c. 1640 – 1713)

Giovanni Tononi, born in Bologna, was the son of Gaspare, a case-maker, and was active from 1688. He produced fine and distinguished instruments, though their quality varied. His work followed the Amati model, featuring some instruments with dished edges and a medium height of arch, while others were slightly boxy in the Stainer manner. The heads were distinctive, particularly on cellos, with a small ...Read More and cramped volute. Tononi's soundholes were well cut, and the edges and corners broad, with precise purfling made of beech. His varnish ranged from a golden honey-brown to a darker red-brown, and he used a variety of materials, including plain maple and intensely figured woods. While some violas were recorded, his cellos were particularly renowned, recalling the best Venetian work of Gofriller. His sons Carlo Annibale and Felice assisted in the family workshop, and it is possible that his eldest son, Antonio Maria, also learned the trade. Read Less

Price History

- The auction record for this maker is $251,200 in Nov 2011, for a cello.
- 45 auction price results.

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Tononi family tree

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