Francesco Ruggieri (2)

Francesco Ruggieri (c.1628—28 Oct 1698), was a prolific Italian luthier from Cremona, patriarch of Casa Rugeri dynasty of violin-makers. Ruggeri most likely apprenticed with Nicolò Amati, as evident from one of his subsequent labels, but he never appeared as a household resident on church's census records. (Francesco must've belonged to the group of "visiting" disciples, along Antonio Stradivari, Giovanni Battista Rogeri, and possibly Jacobus Stainer, who probably assisted Nicolo around the workshop but never resided under his roof.) Two families certainly had a close relationship, as in 1658, for instance, Nicolo Amati was godfather to one of Ruggeri's sons. The luthier began working independently around 1645, generally following "grand Amati" patterns but with significant modifications. Most notably, Francesco pioneered the development of small violoncellos (close to "standard" dimensions of modern cello), significantly predating similar experiments by Antonio Stradivari or Andrea Guarneri's sons. Casa Rugeri proliferated most during the 1670s and '80s, after his legendary teacher retired. However, in the later years, as the Cremonese market became highly competitive against Stradivari's colossal fame, Ruggeri's workshop notably declined. Around 100 F.Ruggeri's instruments exist today: more than 50 violins, approximately 15 cellos, and singular violas and basses. The finest violins and cellos trade in the $180,000-375,000 range at current auctions. Francesco Ruggeri apprenticed four sons—Giovanni Battista (1653–1711), Giacinto (1661–'97), Vincenzo (1663–1719), and Carlo (1666–1713). Giovanni and Giacinto actively assisted him after the 1670s, but very scant "solo" builds indicate they hadn't practice luthiery extensively after their father's death. Vincenzo Rugeri, on the contrary, excelled in his solo career and further developed their father's style. Vincenzo's best instruments are valued today just as much as Francesco's. Carlo, the youngest son, who inherited Francesco's luthiery tools, apparently never pursued the family's oeuvre. Labels Francescus Rugerius Alumnus Nicolai Amati fecit Cremonæ 1663 Francesco Ruggeri detto il Per Cremona, 16## Name Variations: Rugeri / Ruggeri / Rugier / Ruger / Ruggerius