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Making Matters: an expert team varnishes a copy of the ‘Farina’ Montagnana cello

2026-02-13T10:20:00

Lead image cr Ning Feng

Mark Schnurr looks back at the process of varnishing a copy of the 1730 ‘Farina’ Montagnana cello at the 2024 Oberlin Violin Making Workshop

The 1730 ‘Farina’ cello by Domenico Montagnana is a bold, stunning masterpiece exuding skill, confidence and a clear and distinguished conception of the architecture of sound. It is rugged, dynamic and embodies great strength and character, serving as a great insight into what Domenico Montagnana was searching for. It stands as a well-preserved example as it is essentially in its original proportions. Of equal value in its state of preservation is its varnish. The back is almost fully coated, with little polish, and it has a beautiful, undulating topography, with layers of craquelure and patina standing as a testament to time…

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