Name Sanctus Seraphin | Role Luthier | |
 | ||
Sanctus seraphin utinenhs fecit 1753
Sanctus Seraphin (Udine 1699 – Venice 1776), 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. It is still unknown where he learned the art of violin making. His models were inspired to the Cremonese luthier Nicolo Amati.
Contents
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. The violins are responsive, very resonant and carry well.
A genuine Seraphin violin ranges in value from $20,000 to $850,000 depending on condition and provenance. However, there are only approximately 300 Seraphin instruments known to exist.
Sanctus seraphin labeled violin 525
