Born in Crema in 1880, Azzo Rovescalli was initiated to the study of the violin at a young age by his father, who was a court attorney and who also supported him in finding an office job in Milan. There Rovescalli made the acquaintance of Leandro Bisiach and learned the first rudiments of violin making from Riccardo and Romeo Antoniazzi. His passion for the craft led him to abandon his previous job to devote himself only to violin playing (he had a fair career as a musician) and making. After leaving Milan he stayed in Lodi and later he returned to Crema, having a troubled life; of his five children, two (Tullio and Manlio) dedicated themselves to violin making.
Rovescalli worked in the style of the Antoniazzi family, making a large number of instruments, thanks also to the assistance of his sons; the model is rounded and inspired by the Amatis; the small corners lean outwards; the rounded edge borders a narrow, deep fluting. The head is also deeply carved and with a softened chamfer; he used ebony locating pins on the plates and sometimes he inlaid his initials on the button.
