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Carlo Ferdinando Landolfi

Carlo Ferdinando Landolfi spent his working life in Milan. We do not know for sure with whom he studied, but it is certainly possible that his mentor was G.B. Guadagnini, who moved to Milan in 1749. This would explain why Landolfi does not appear to have been active as a violin maker until about 1750. Guadagnini’s influence is clearly in evidence in Landolfi’s work, which shows few similarities with the earlier Milanese makers such as Grancino and Testore. The rich red varnish of the stunning 1752 violin is reminiscent of the luminescent varnish of Guadagnini’s Milan period.

The circa 1770 viola is a little less refined than the violins, perhaps betraying the hand of an ageing man. The model, with its stretched C-bouts, is characteristic of Landolfi’s work, and the back shows the texture of his best varnish.

From the 1760s he was assisted by his son Pietro Antonio, and by Pietro Giovanni Mantegazza, who was arguably his most gifted pupil.

Carlo Ferdinando Landolfi

(b c1710; d Baveno, 1784)

Carlo Ferdinando Landolfi spent his working life in Milan. We do not know for sure with whom he studied, but it is certainly possible that his mentor was G.B. Guadagnini, who moved to Milan in 1749. This would explain why Landolfi does not appear to have been active as a violin maker until about 1750. Guadagnini’s influence is clearly in evidence in Landolfi’s work, which shows few similarities with the earlier Milanese makers such as Grancino and Testore. The rich red varnish of the stunning 1752 violin is reminiscent of the luminescent varnish of Guadagnini’s Milan period.

The circa 1770... Read more

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A viola by Carlo Ferdinando Landolfi

Milan, circa 1765

Born in 1710, Carlo Ferdinando Landolfi started making instruments in the mid-18th century after the arrival of G.B. Guadagnini in Milan. This important influence is visible in Landolfi’s workmanship, and... read more

A viola by Carlo Ferdinando Landolfi

Milan, circa 1765

Born in 1710, Carlo Ferdinando Landolfi started making instruments in the mid-18th century after the arrival of G.B. Guadagnini in Milan. This important influence is visible in Landolfi’s workmanship, and differentiates his style from earlier representatives of the Milanese school, such as the Grancino and Testore families.
This stunning viola dates from the midpoint of Landolfi’s career and shows the confidence and maturity that make his instruments highly recognisable. It is a strong sounding viola with clear tonal focus, a warm bass register and a silvery top end.

This viola was previously in the possession of Kazuhide Isomura, the violist of the Tokyo Quartet.
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Instruments we have sold by this maker

Articles

Carlo Ferdinando Landolfi: His Life and Influence

11 September 2025 - Dilworth, John

John Dilworth examines a magnificent viola by one of the greatest Milanese makers. Carlo Ferdinando Landolfi is a fascinating maker to analyse. His work is a mixture of many influences, and yet remarkably distinctive and consistently of the highest tonal... Read more

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