Born in Cremona in 1825, Gaetano Antoniazzi can be considered the last descendant of the Cremonese school from the previous century and was a fundamental figure for the development of this tradition, which he helped to spread in the Milano area.
A wood-carver and cabinetmaker by profession, he probably came into contact with Enrico Ceruti in his hometown, where he received the first rudiments of violin making. He also met Enrico's father, Giuseppe Ceruti, with whom he shared a stay of several years in the city of Mantua, starting from 1855; after his death in 1860 he returned to Cremona and also lived briefly in Genoa in 1864 before moving permanently to Milan in 1870, followed by his sons Riccardo and Romeo, who continued their father's profession. Gaetano died in 1897, and therefore had a role in the training of Leandro Bisiach as well, whom the Antoniazzis met in 1886.
Gaetano's style is elegant and classic in the proportions and in the choice of models. His corners are delicate and moderate in length; the edges well-rounded and with a narrow fluting. The soundholes often have characteristic pointed notches; his scrolls are well-balanced and with an accentuated hollowing. The varnish is usually of an amber color.
