Commentary
Although the great schools of Italian violin-making are associated with Brescia and Cremona, the eastern coastal city of Pesaro also had a long history of concentrated musical activity among its noble families dating back to the early 15th century. At least four bowed string instrument makers are known to have worked there during the 17th century: Carlo Cortesi (fl. 1612), Carlo Brandini (2nd half of the 17th C), Antonio Mariani (d. 1680) and Sebastiano Sacchini (fl.c.1670-1686). Very few of their instruments survive, but those that do share certain characteristics with the finer Brescian makers. Those evident on this instrument, include high arching and decorative purfling designs. Other characteristics associated with the Pesaro makers and observable on this instrument include, narrow, stubbier corners, dark varnish and soundholes with smaller wings.