A Violin by Annibale Fagnola

History of the Instrument

Annibale Fagnola was one of ten children born into a farming family in Montiglio, approximately 50 km from Turin. He completed apprenticeships as a baker and a mechanic in his hometown, where he likely gained experience in instrument making before moving to Turin in 1894. The following year, he established his own workshop, receiving early support from dealer and collector Orazio Roggero. In 1906, Fagnola won medals at the Genoa and Milan exhibitions, bringing him both recognition and commercial success.

His early works often featured replicas of renowned makers from the past, particularly Stradivari, Guadagnini (including this one), Pressenda, and Rocca. The deep red varnish typical of this period reflects his desire to pay homage to his Turinese predecessors. As his career progressed, Fagnola's personal style began to emerge, with Pressenda continuing to exert a strong influence, evident in a number of his instruments made in this style. By around 1910, Fagnola's reputation spread internationally, first reaching England and then the USA. By 1930, his work was well-known to the Hills in London and Wurlitzer in New York. His instruments are consistently beautifully crafted, made only from the highest quality materials. Tonally, he achieved outstanding results, and today he is regarded as one of the leading makers of the modern Italian school.