AS, Matteo, Lute-maker. M. Chouquet, in his "Catalogue Raisonne"
of the instruments at the Paris Conservatoire, mentions two Arch-Lutes
made by this maker.

SERAFINO, Santo, Udine--Venice, 1710-48.

Sanctus Seraphin
utinensis Fecit
Venetijs Ann. 17--

This maker is chiefly famed for the exquisite finish of his
workmanship. The modelling of his instruments varied. There are
instances, particularly in the case of his Violins, where he has
entirely set aside the Stainer form, and copied Amati. These Violins
are wonderfully like the work of Francesco Ruggeri. The varnish upon
them, of a rich red colour, is of so exceptional a quality, that one
is compelled to look twice before being satisfied as to the author.
The greater number, however, of his instruments are of the German
character, the sound-hole, scroll, and outline all hinting of Stainer.
These Venetians were wonderfully fortunate in obtaining handsome wood,
and in this respect Santo Serafino was pre-eminent, for his sides and
backs are simply beautiful to perfection. His method of cutting the
wood was invariably to show the grain in even stripes. The scroll is
well cut in point of workmanship, but the style is poor. Santo
Serafino cannot be regarded as having displayed originality in any
shape, and he thus forms an exception to the great majority of Italian
makers. His instruments are either copies of Amati or of Stainer;
there is, of course, a strong Italian flavour about his Stainer
copies, which lifts them above the German school of imitators, and
hence their higher value. Nearly all his instruments were branded with
his name above the tail-pin. He used an ornamental label of large
size. The Violoncello in the possession of Mr. M. J. Astle is a
charming specimen of Serafino's work, I may say unequalled.

SNEIDER, Josefo, Pavia. Lancetti remarks that many of the Violins by
Girolamo Amati, son of Niccolo, were attributed to this maker.

Joseph Sneider Papiae
Alumnus Nicolai Amati Cremonae
fecit Anno 17--

SOCCHI, Vincenzo, 1661, Bologna. In the Catalogue of M. Chouquet
mention is made of a Kit or Pochette by this maker in the Paris
Conservatoire.

SORSANA, Giuseppe, 1700-1750. Said to have been a pupil of Stradivari.
Highly finished work, varnish of beautiful quality.

Joseph Sorsana fecit
Cremone sub discip. Ant.
Stradivarii 1737.

STATLEE, Anderl, Genoa, about 1714. Signed himself as a pupil of
Hieronymus Amati (