The Scroll has long been accepted as the signature of the maker.
To the untrained eye, all scrolls may look the same. After careful
examination, one begins to detect the subtle variations that distinguish
one design pattern from another. These unique variations are built on
an elegant, and highly functional omponent of the instrument. These
subtleties, coupled with other unique structural features, allow
professionals to identify the origin of the instrument.
Below,
you will find examples of some distinguished makers scroll work.
Looking at one side of the scrolls should be enough to peak your
interest. There are, of course, three other views that need to be
examined as well. The sides should be identical, but the front and back
views are equally important to identify the maker.
Have some fun with this, and see if you can identify the more glaring variations that exist between the six scrolls.
Hint:
Look at the number of curls, where they begin, widths, contours,
curves, parallel lines, and depth of cuts. If you have a good eye, you
will enjoy this exercise.
An extremely detailed lions head scroll by Gaspar da Salo. This is a non typical scroll head. he also used 1 and 3 curl designs throughout his career. This this a very very uncommon approach with makers throughout the centuries.
The Maggin four curl scroll is also one of my veruy favorite designs.
