Riccardo Antoniazzi (1853–1912): A Founding Figure of Modern Milanese Violin Making
Riccardo Antoniazzi was a distinguished Italian luthier who played a pivotal role in the transition of violin making from Cremona to Milan in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born on December 19, 1853, in Cremona, he was the eldest son of Gaetano Antoniazzi, a respected violin maker trained under Enrico Ceruti. Growing up in a family of luthiers, Riccardo learned the trade from an early age and developed his skills under his father’s guidance.
During his early years, financial challenges led the Antoniazzi family to move frequently, relocating from Cremona to Mantua and Genoa before eventually settling in Milan around 1870. This period of mobility exposed Riccardo to various regional styles of violin making, contributing to the unique characteristics of his craftsmanship. In the 1880s, he spent time in Nice, France, where he likely worked with Nicolò Bianchi, further refining his techniques. By 1886, he had returned to Milan, where he became one of the key figures in establishing the modern Milanese school of violin making.
In Milan, Riccardo collaborated closely with Leandro Bisiach, one of the era’s most influential violin makers. Although he produced many fine instruments, much of his work during this period remained unsigned, as he often crafted instruments under Bisiach’s workshop name. This has made the attribution of his instruments particularly challenging. In 1904, he joined the Monzino and Sons firm, where he continued producing violins in high volume. While some of his later works showed less attention to detail in varnishing, they remain widely recognized for their tonal quality and craftsmanship.
Antoniazzi’s instruments are known for their diverse models and characteristic varnishes, which range from yellow-orange to deep red. His craftsmanship is marked by precise execution, and his scrolls and details exhibit the influence of both the Cremonese and Milanese traditions. He used various labels throughout his career, and during his time at Monzino, he adopted a distinctive branding mark with his initials “A.R.” inside a double circle topped by a cross. This marking has sometimes been mistakenly attributed to his brother, Romeo, but historical records indicate it belonged exclusively to Riccardo.
Beyond his own work, Riccardo Antoniazzi had a lasting influence on Italian violin making through his mentorship of future masters, including Ferdinando Garimberti and Gaetano Sgarabotto. His contributions helped shape the Milanese school into a dominant force in Italian violin making during the 20th century.
Riccardo Antoniazzi passed away in Milan on November 10, 1912. His legacy endures through his instruments and the generations of luthiers he helped train, solidifying his place as one of the most important figures in modern Italian violin making.
