Menu

Camillo Camilli

Camillo Camilli was in all probability a pupil of Antonio Zanotti, and there are striking similarities between the rather delicate circa 1725 Camilli violin and the circa 1720 Zanotti. However, the maker who influenced him most was Pietro Guarneri, who had founded the Mantuan school when he arrived from Cremona in the early 1680s. There is little to separate the 1730 Camilli violin from the 1704 Peter Guarneri, other than the slightly smaller model, the somewhat unorthodox materials and perhaps a little extra swing in the f-holes.

Camilli’s output consists almost entirely of violins — his violas and cellos are extremely rare. His work is less masculine than that of his Mantuan contemporary Tomaso Balestrieri, but his interesting choice of wood and beautiful golden-orange varnish makes his instruments among the most attractive of his day.

Camillo Camilli

(b c1704; d Mantua, 1754)

Camillo Camilli was in all probability a pupil of Antonio Zanotti, and there are striking similarities between the rather delicate circa 1725 Camilli violin and the circa 1720 Zanotti. However, the maker who influenced him most was Pietro Guarneri, who had founded the Mantuan school when he arrived from Cremona in the early 1680s. There is little to separate the 1730 Camilli violin from the 1704 Peter Guarneri, other than the slightly smaller model, the somewhat unorthodox materials and perhaps a little extra swing in the f-holes.

Camilli’s output consists almost entirely of violins — his violas and cellos are... Read more

Instruments we have sold by this maker

Articles

The Rosenberg Collection Part IV

03 February 2023 - Dilworth, John

In our final article exploring the instruments of Norman Rosenberg, we discover some more diverse areas of the collection, offering particular insight into less well-documented but no less intriguing makers and schools. Bartolomeo Calvarola, one of only a handful of... Read more

The Violin Makers of Mantua

02 March 2020 - Dilworth, John

Mantua in the 18th century was a far cry from the glories of its Gonzaga heyday. The seat of the great patron of renaissance music and art Isabella d’Este, the home of Virgil, of the Cremonese-born Monteverdi and the site... Read more

Looking to Buy or Sell an Instrument by this Maker?

Selling with Ingles & Hayday

We offer buyers and sellers a bespoke private sale service, sourcing exceptional instruments and bows and matching them with the most discerning buyers.

More Information

Buying at Ingles & Hayday

Tim Ingles and Paul Hayday will offer an initial evaluation of the authenticity and value of your instrument or bow to recommend an auction estimate and reserve price.

Enquire

Written Valuations & Certificates

Tim Ingles and Paul Hayday will offer an initial evaluation of the authenticity and value of your instrument or bow. At this stage, the assessment is free and without obligation. In the first instance, we suggest submitting good-quality images to us, preferably by email to info@ingleshayday.com or by completing the valuation form.

Read more

    Buying at Ingles & Hayday

    We hold two auctions a year at Sotheby’s in London, generally in March and October. We also have a selection of instruments and bows for private sale all year round. Please contact us for more information.

    Back to Notable Sales