A Violin by Francesco Rugeri

History of the Instrument

FEATURED - A Violin by Francesco Rugeri, Cremona c. 1660 “Admiral Buckle”

Introduction
Among the most distinguished examples of early Cremonese violin making, the violin by Francesco Rugeri, dated circa 1660 and known as the ex. “Admiral Buckle,” stands out for its historical significance, artistic merit, and documented provenance. This article examines Rugeri’s place in the lineage of Italian lutherie, the stylistic and technical hallmarks of his work, and the known history of this celebrated instrument.

Francesco Rugeri: The Maker

Francesco Rugeri (c. 1620–1698) was a seminal figure in 17th-century Cremona, a city synonymous with the golden age of violin making. Rugeri is believed to have worked contemporaneously with, and possibly under, Nicolò Amati, the patriarch of the Amati dynasty. While documentary evidence of an apprenticeship is inconclusive, Rugeri’s early instruments display clear Amati influence: elegant arching, refined purfling, and a delicacy of outline that echoes the “Grand Amati” model, of which this violin is a prime example.

Rugeri established his own workshop by the late 1650s. He was the first in the Rugeri family to gain renown, and his sons—Giovanni Battista, Giacinto, Vincenzo, and Carlo—would continue the tradition. Rugeri’s instruments are celebrated for their tonal purity, balance, and responsiveness, qualities that have attracted both soloists and collectors.

The Violin, Cremona c. 1660, ex. “Admiral Buckle”

The “Admiral Buckle” violin is a prime example of Rugeri’s early output. Crafted circa 1660, it predates the emergence of Antonio Stradivari as a dominant force in Cremona and represents a period of transition in violin design. The instrument is characterized by:

• Materials: Select Alpine spruce top, highly flamed maple back, sides, and scroll—materials favored by Cremonese masters.

• Arching & Outline: Medium-high arching, rounded bouts, and a slightly broader outline than Amati’s, reflecting Rugeri’s subtle departures from his mentor’s style.

• Varnish: Rich, golden-amber varnish, typical of Rugeri’s early period, with a soft, luminous texture.

• Sound: Noted for a warm, projecting tone with remarkable clarity and complexity across all registers.

Provenance and the “Admiral Buckle” Moniker

The violin’s sobriquet, “Admiral Buckle,” refers to a prominent British naval officer, Admiral Claude Henry Buckle (1803–1894), who owned the instrument in the 19th century. Admiral Buckle was an avid amateur violinist and collector, and his stewardship is well documented in auction records and letters. The instrument subsequently passed through several notable hands, including leading London dealers and distinguished private collections.

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