A Matched String Quartet by Evasio Emilio Guerra

History of the Instrument

Evasio Emilio Guerra began his career as a violinist, but his curiosity about violin making soon took precedence. He likely started as an apprentice in the workshops of Francesco Guadagnini and Marengo-Rinaldi, but it was Carlo Oddone who had the most significant impact on Guerra’s development as a maker. Unfortunately, Guerra was not particularly skilled in business, which meant that most of the instruments he produced during his prime years were supplied unfinished, or "in the white," to other makers in Turin.

Despite these challenges, Guerra successfully created his own instruments, adhering to various classical models and using the dark red or orange varnish characteristic of Turinese craftsmanship at the time. He also made close copies of instruments by Guadagnini and Rocca. However, after World War II, his production slowed significantly, and he passed away at the age of 82 in 1956.

This matched quartet of instruments represents the finest work of this highly celebrated maker, crafted during the peak of his powers. They remain in a relatively untouched state of preservation, having spent their collective lives in various collections. Most recently, they were housed in the collection of sculptor and violin collector Alfredo Halegua.