Domenico Montagnana, Venetian luthier: quick facts

Domenico Montagnana was the foremost luthier of the Venetian school, working in the first half of the 18th century. Although he made fine violins, he is most celebrated for his cellos, which are among the most sought-after of all time for their broad, warm, and powerful sound. Sometimes called 'the Mighty Venetian', Montagnana developed a distinctive style separate from the Cremonese makers, with generous proportions and rich varnish. His cellos are played by leading soloists and rank in value alongside the great Cremonese instruments. Montagnana shows that the finest Italian violin making was not confined to Cremona, even if Stradivari remains its most famous name.

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Sources: Tarisio — Cozio Archive of stringed instruments; Library of Congress — Stradivari instruments / Whittall Collection; W. Henry Hill, Arthur F. Hill & Alfred E. Hill — 'Antonio Stradivari: His Life and Work (1644–1737)'; The Metropolitan Museum of Art — musical instruments collection. Educational information only — not financial, investment, or appraisal advice. See our sources & fact-check policy.