Giovanni Paolo Maggini, luthier of Brescia: quick facts
Giovanni Paolo Maggini was the foremost maker of the Brescian school after his teacher Gasparo da Salò. Working in the early 17th century, he produced violins and violas of generous size, often with double-purfling decoration, and a deep, broad tone. His instruments were admired by later players and makers and influenced the development of the violin alongside the Cremonese tradition. Maggini's surviving instruments are rare and highly esteemed, and his name appeared so often on later imitations that 'Maggini model' became a factory label. As one of the most important early Italian makers, he represents a parallel lineage to the Amati and Stradivari workshops of Cremona.
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.