Joannes Baptista Zanoli 1749

John Baptist Zanoli, born in the first half of the 18th century, was a skilled violin maker in Verona, Italy. Alongside his son Giacomo, he was one of the few violin makers in Verona during that time. Despite the lack of a strong violin-making tradition in Verona, John Baptist Zanoli and his son Giacomo managed to make a name for themselves with their high-quality and distinctive instruments.

Verona had its share of German lute makers during the 16th and 17th centuries, and it is believed that the Zanoli family's violin-making skills were cultivated from this foundation of German luthiers. John Baptist Zanoli's violins were known for their German model, featuring squared arching and the use of walnut for the internal linings of the ribs, a mannerism usually associated with Tyrolean makers. While Verona may not have been a prominent hub for violin making, the work of John Baptist Zanoli and his son Giacomo serves as a reminder of the city's contribution to the rich history of violin making in Italy