Paganini, Nicolò. (1782–1840)
Paganini's Hat, made from the fabric of his mother's wedding gown
Finely constructed cap of blue silk with embroidered decoration in cotton, formerly owned and worn by the Italian violinist, violist, guitarist, and composer, the most celebrated violin virtuoso of his time and one the most colorful musical figures of the Romantic era. Italian, ca. 1820, with a descriptive card inscribed "Berretto fatto colla stofa della veste da nozze di Teresa Bocciardo Paganini, madre di Nicolò" ["Cap made of the material of the wedding gown of Teresa Bocciardo Paganini, mother of Nicolò"] and contained in an antique bell jar on a gilted wood base with brass plaque reading "Nicolò Paganini 1764-1840." Measuring 17 cm in diameter and 22.5 high, the container measuring 27 cm high. The wood base of the stand somewhat chipped, otherwise in fine condition.With remarkable provenance from the collection of the the eldest son of Achilles Paganini, Andrea (1844-1918), by descent through his heirs. For many years this item resided in the collection housed in the Villa Gaione di Parma: first by Achilles, then by his sons Andrea, Attila and Giovanni. In the first half of the 20th century, the Paganini collection was largely dispersed, with portions going to the Italian State (Biblioteca Casanatense in Rome), the Library of Congress in Washington, and to various private collectors. The present item has remained with the heirs until recently, when it was part of the sale of the remaining collection of the heirs of Nicolo Paganini. Sold together with xeroxed documentation from the original sale, this item and its provenance has been reviewed and authenticated by Dr. Maria Rosa Moretti, one of the world's leading authorities on Paganini. (11125)
Ephemera