Five violins by members of the Gagliano family lend a Neapolitan flavor to our October sale. The Gaglianos were the most influential makers of Naples, their reign lasting for over one hundred and fifty years. Their greatest work was produced in the 18th century – Gaglianos from this period are exceptionally well made and are prized for their bright and powerful, well-directed tone. These five examples, which between them span most of the century, represent some of the family’s finest instruments.

Alessandro Gagliano

Lot 493 – Alessandro Gagliano
Violin, Naples, c. 1720

Patriarch of the Gagliano family, Alessandro was the first important violin maker from Naples. His surviving instruments are rare and usually feature maple and spruce of the highest quality and a fine varnish. This violin is a typical example of his unique model, with flat arching, short corners and f-holes set low on the top. The scroll of this violin was made by G. B. Rogeri. The instrument is sold with a Hill certificate and is in excellent condition.

Nicolo Gagliano

Lot 490 – Nicolo Gagliano
Violin, Naples, c. 1750

Nicolò was one of the greatest and most prolific makers of the family. The eldest son of Alessandro, he quickly developed a style which was quite independent of his father. Nicolò’s Stradivari-influenced model and characteristic golden brown varnish proved highly successful and were adopted by all his followers, becoming the hallmark of the Neapolitan school. This instrument is a characteristic example of his refined work.

Nicolo Gagliano

Lot 491 – Nicolo Gagliano
Violin, Naples, c. 1760

The pattern of this violin, almost a twin to the earlier example, is reminiscent of Amati or an earlier-pattern Stradivari. It has a particularly attractive honey-brown varnish and is in superb condition, having been in the hands of the same family and unplayed for many years.

Gennaro Gagliano

Lot 492 – Gennaro Gagliano
Violin, Naples, c. 1766

Violins by Gennaro are as fine as those of his brother Nicolò but more rare. This example has a somewhat higher arch and a more deeply carved scroll than is typical of his work. It is in very pure condition.

Giovanni Gagliano

Lot 489 – Giovanni Gagliano
Violin, Naples, 1803

One of Nicolò’s three sons, Giovanni often worked in collaboration with his two brothers. This violin, with quite full arching and a golden-yellow varnish, is a rare example of his individual work. It is in exceptionally good condition and bears its original label.

Other Neapolitan instruments in the sale include a very fine Vincenzo Postiglione, an Alfredo Contino and a cello attributed to Nicolò Gagliano.

Tarisio’s Christopher Reuning organized an important exhibition of Neapolitan lutherie in 2005 as part of the American Federation of Violin and Bow Makers’ conference in Pittsburgh. It was a rare chance to see the work of the city’s best makers together and expert speakers included Reuning, Eric Blot and Robert Bein. A CD ROM of the exhibition instruments will be available at a later date.