Anselmo Gotti
Pieve di Cento (Ferrara) 2/11/1902 - Ferrara 1962
Anselmo Gotti and Ettore Soffritti, 1922.
BIOGRAPHY
His father Orsolo Gotti was his first teacher and, recognizing his natural ability, sent him to perfect himself under the already famous Ettore Soffritti. After a couple of years of apprenticeship, Anselmo decided to settle permanently in Ferrara, becoming Soffritti's official apprentice: during that period, several prestigious instruments arrived in Ettore Soffritti's workshop for restoration: Stradivari, Guarnieri, Maggini, Gasparo da Salò etc. He, therefore, had the opportunity to train in restoration and learn the secrets of violin making. In 1930-31 he was invited to Vienna to restore a famous collection of stringed instruments. Back in Ferrara, he opened his own workshop.
He was humble and discreet, almost hesitant of getting paid for restorations and even new instruments.
It can also be inferred from this receipt for the sale of a violin by instalments for 1,000 lire in 1934.
It wasn't much, considering the fine luthiery of the instrument. These were also difficult times, of course.
He became sought-after for the restoration of instruments of importance.
Considering he was slow, he did not make many new instruments.
It could be about 100 violins, ten violas, 15 cellos, six double basses and a beautiful quintet, inlaid with the Arlotti's coat of arms, his admirer and patron, here in a vintage photo (photo below) now in the U.S.A.
He finished the instruments left incomplete at the death of Ettore Soffritti and in the lower block he pencilled "Anselmo Gotti 1928".
As evidence of the fame he received, in 1936 he was also given to finish those of the Bolognese luthier Armando Monterumici, after his death.
He often put his initials inside (photo below).
During the restorations, he always wrote his surname, first name, year inside the instruments, and under the keyboard, as his teacher did.
He was also a double bass player: we can see him in the Ferrara string orchestra in 1953 (photo below).
