Sanctus Seraphin

Sanctus Seraphin (1699-c.1758) (Also known as Santo; Also known as Serafin, Serafino) was a financially successful luthier, (violin maker) working first in Udine Italy, then in his later life, Venice. [cite web|url=http://www.stradviolin.com/gallery-sanctusseraphin.htm|title=Sanctus Seraphin|last=Antonio Strad Violin|accessdate=2006-11-02] [cite web|url=http://www.bartruff.com/history.php|title=The History of the Violin|first=William|last=Bartruff|accessdate=2006-11-02] Seraphin was another pupil who gained his knowledge of the trade from the Cremona luthier Nicolò Amati.

Seraphin's stringed instruments use a varnish that ranges in color from golden brown to an orange red. The varnish is usually transparent, lustrous and soft, but occasionally displays a hard, dry and crackled appearance. The violins are responsive, very resonant and carry well.

A genuine Seraphin violin ranges in value from $20,000 to $850,000 depending on condition and provenance. [cite web|url=http://www.cozio.com/Luthier.aspx?id=57|title=Santo Serafin|last=Cozio.com|accessdate=2006-11-02] [cite web|url=http://www.laobserved.com/archive/2005/04/she_gets_her_vi.php|title=She gets her violin back|first=Kevin|last=Roderick|accessdate=2006-11-02] However, there are only approximently 30 Seraphin instruments known to exist. [cite web|url=http://cpprot.te.verweg.com/2005-April/001017.html|title=Stolen centuries-old violin found in LA alley|first=Ryan|last=Pearson|accessdate=2006-11-02]

References