Gaetano Chiocchi

History

Gaetano Chiocchi (1814-c.1881) was born in 1814 and died circa 1881 in Monselice, Padua, Italy. He was a violinist and musical director at the Teatro Grande in Padua. Gaetano Chiocchi learned violin making from Giuseppe Ceruti around 1858. According to Cecie Stainer's A Dictionary of Violin Makers, he worked in Padua in the 19th century and was clever at both repairing and making instruments. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff's Die Geigen- und Lautenmacher vom Mittelalter bis zur Gegenwart notes that De Piccolellis praised Chiocchi as a capable artist and an excellent restorer.

Craft

• Models: Gaetano Chiocchi produced broad Guarneri and Maggini models with open 'c' bouts.
• Purfling: His instruments featured wide purfling, occasionally made up of five strands rather than the usual three.
• Scroll: He crafted good symmetrical and concentric scrolls with very restricted throats and delicate chamfers.
• Varnish: Chiocchi applied a fine soft red varnish with a shaded finish.
• Prolificacy: He was not a prolific maker.
• Labels: Examples of his labels include 'Chiocci Gaetano / fece in Padova 18..' and 'Gaetano Chiocchi / fece in Padova 1876'.

Influence

• Mentorship: Gaetano Chiocchi learned violin making from Giuseppe Ceruti around 1858.

Legacy

• Awards: Gaetano Chiocchi was awarded medals in Florence in 1861 and in Padua.

Summary

Gaetano Chiocchi (1814-c.1881) was an Italian violin maker, violinist, and musical director who worked in Padua. He learned his craft from Giuseppe Ceruti around 1858 and was known for his broad Guarneri and Maggini models, distinctive wide purfling, and fine soft red varnish. Chiocchi received medals in Florence in 1861 and in Padua, and was praised for his skill in both making and repairing instruments.