As well as Camillo Camilli, Tommaso Balestrieri is known as one of the most excellent violin makers in Mantua in the 18th century. It has been told that Balestrieri worked in Cremona, which was an adjacent town to Mantua, from 1720 to 1750, but no more details have not been learned. On his making style, there is clearly seen influence from the Cremonese style represented by Pietro Guarneri, who moved to Mantua in 1980s.

This piece of artwork was made in 1771, in the latter half of his professional career. The wide bouts, smooth shoulder lines, and the reasonable pattern for powerful resonance and practicality for performance. The elegant curve of the scroll never shows off itself. The comfortably natural-feeling medium arch and the carefully cut out sound holes present resemblance to Stradivarius of his golden period. The rich, deep sound must have attracted large audience so far. It has been loved and used by highly celebrated violinists, including Ruggiero Ricci.

Please take a look at this Mantuan masterpiece of the 18th century.