Michele Deconet
Violin maker
(c. 1712 – 1799)
Michele Deconet was born near Strasbourg and traveled widely as a violinist. Traditionally it has been assumed that he took up violin making in Venice in the mid-18th century, but in fact there is no conclusive historical evidence that he ever held a formal apprenticeship or registered as a violin-maker in that city or elsewhere. The surviving instruments which bear his label are a cohesive group, categorizable into periods and sub-groups, but they nevertheless show a variety of models and styles which suggest the collaboration of other makers. It is possible that Deconet hired other Venetian makers to make some of his instruments for him. It is also possible that he sold instruments which he had commissioned from other makers but finished and labeled as his own work. One feature that many of his instruments share is the small central pin in the middle of the back, which is a unique characteristic of Guarneri family work, prompting speculation of a connection to Pietro Guarneri of Venice. Despite their variations, the instruments of Deconet are undeniably Venetian and form a cohesive body of work to be considered the authentic output of the maker.
Price History
- The auction record for this maker is $177,000 in Nov 2023, for a violin.
- 58 auction price results.
View all auction prices for Michele Deconet
Instruments
Viola -
1766
Venice
Viola -
1780
Venice
the 'Kroyt'
Cello -
1750
Venice
Cello -
1754
Venice
Cello -
1764
Venice
Cello -
1769
Venice
Cello -
c. 1783
Venice