The collection of manuscripts by the 19th-century Italian violin connoisseur is to be preserved for future study
A special exhibition of documents from the collection of Count Cozio di Salabue will take place at the Cremona City Library, Italy, from 6 to 13 November. The event will showcase some of the manuscripts of the Count, regarded as the first great connoisseur of Italian violins, including several meticulous drawings and outlines of instruments, many from his extensive collection.
‘This exhibition is not only a celebration of historical documents, but an opportunity to explore the world of violin making through the eyes of a great collector,’ said luthier Luca Bastiani, who co-organised the exhibition with Raffaella Barbierato. ‘The notes written by the Count offer a unique insight into the work of some of the world’s most famous violin makers, such as Pietro Guarneri, Giuseppe Guarneri “del Gesù”, Nicolò Amati and Andrea Guarneri. The drawings we have selected for this occasion were made between 1803 and 1805, and represent the first systematic studies on classical instruments.’
Bastiani also said that the exhibition would see the launch of a conservation project to ensure that the archive of Cozio’s drawings could be preserved for future generations. ‘We will commission a paper restorer to build special boxes in which to preserve these precious documents,’ he said. ’I firmly believe that our responsibility is to protect and enhance this heritage.’
Ignazio Alessandro Cozio di Salabue (1755–1840) owned several violins by Stradivari including the 1716 ‘Messiah’, 1723 ‘Jules Falk’, 1723 ‘Paganini’, 1706 ‘Dragonetti’ and 1736 ‘Muntz’. He also owned the artefacts from Stradivari’s workshop, identifying the moulds used by the master maker with letters such as the ‘P’, ‘PG’ and ‘S’ forms – a system that is still used today.
Read: ‘The best viola of mine’ - Count Cozio’s 1773 Guadagnini viola
Read: Original letter by violin collector Count Cozio di Salabue up for auction
An exclusive range of instrument making posters, books, calendars and information products published by and directly for sale from The Strad.
The Strad’s exclusive instrument posters, most with actual-size photos depicting every nuance of the instrument. Our posters are used by luthiers across the world as models for their own instruments, thanks to the detailed outlines and measurements on the back.
The number one source for a range of books covering making and stringed instruments with commentaries from today’s top instrument experts.
The Canada Council of the Arts’ Musical Instrument Bank is 40 years old in 2025. This year’s calendar celebrates some its treasures, including four instruments by Antonio Stradivari and priceless works by Montagnana, Gagliano, Pressenda and David Tecchler.
No comments yet