Born in San Nicolò di Caldaro in 1634, Matthias Albani served his apprenticeship in Rome, working for Martino Arz and Andrea Portoghesi. He returned to his native city of Bolzano after 1670, exerting a great influence on local luthiers, but also on other makers active in Tyrol.
However, his work is typically Italian and inspired by the Amati family, as well as by the geographically close example of Jacobus Stainer, with a refined style and a delicate taste for detail. His intense dark red varnish is also recognisable, in some ways similar to the recipes of his Venetian contemporaries, particularly Matteo Goffriller, who was originally from the same area. After Matthias' death in 1712, his work was continued by his sons Michael and Joseph.
