Sanctus Seraphin

Sanctus Seraphin (Udine 1699 – Venice 1776),[1] also known as Santo Serafin, was a successful luthier (violin maker), working in Venice. He closed his bottega (workshop) in 1741 but he continued to work in the bottega of Giorgio Serafin, his nephew, till his death in 1776. [2][3] It is still unknown where he learned the art of violin making. His models were inspired to the Cremonese luthier Nicolò Amati.

Seraphin's stringed instruments use a varnish that ranges in color from golden brown to an orange red. The varnish is usually transparent, lustrous and soft, but occasionally displays a hard, dry and crackled appearance.

A Seraphin violin ranges in value from $20,000 to $850,000, depending on condition and provenance.[4][5] The auction record Sanctus Seraphin was $779,531 in 2018, for a cello.[6] Approximately 300 Seraphin instruments are known to exist.[7]

  1. ^ Pio, Stefano (2004). Violin and Lute Makers of Venice 1640 - 1760. Venezia, Italy: Venice research. p. 383. ISBN 978-88-907252-2-7.
  2. ^ Antonio Strad Violin. "Sanctus Seraphin". Archived from the original on 2006-05-09. Retrieved 2006-11-02.
  3. ^ Bartruff, William. "The History of the Violin". Archived from the original on 2007-02-08. Retrieved 2006-11-02.
  4. ^ Cozio.com. "Santo Serafin". Retrieved 2006-11-02.
  5. ^ Roderick, Kevin. "She gets her violin back". Retrieved 2006-11-02.
  6. ^ "Cozio Archive Santo Serafin".
  7. ^ Pearson, Ryan. "Stolen centuries-old violin found in LA alley". Retrieved 2006-11-02.