Giulio Degani violin, Venice 1910

Giulio Degani (1875-1959) was born in Venice into the third generation of the prolific Degani family of Italian luthiers. Giulio learned violin making from his father, Eugenio Degani (1842-1901), who ran the most important violin shop in Venice at the end of the 19th century and is considered the founder of the modern Venetian School. Giulio continued as a highly prolific and successful maker after his father's death in 1901, winning numerous medals at competitions-including Turin in 1898 and 1911, Milan in 1906, and New Zealand in 1906. As Degani's international reputation grew, he sold his instruments abroad to prominent shops in the United States and in England, including Metzler & Co. in London, where they were endorsed by cellist Alfredo Piatti. In 1915, Degani immigrated to the United States to work for the Wurlitzer Company in New York City and Cincinnati. After leaving Wurlitzer in 1921, Degani worked as an independent maker, supplementing his income by playing and teaching violin. Regarded as one of the most important modern Italian luthiers, Giulio Degani's instruments are highly desirable among professional players and collectors.