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114:

A VIOLIN BY GENNARO VINACCIA, NAPLES, c. 1750

114: A VIOLIN BY GENNARO VINACCIA, NAPLES, c. 1750


Labeled, "Nicolaus Gagliano Filius Alexandri fecit Neap. 17..."

LOB: 35.0 cm

This instrument was the concert violin of István Párkányi. Born in Hungary in the 1940s, Párkányi spent most of his life in the Netherlands where he had an illustrious career as a pedagogue, while touring as first violin of the Orlando Quartet and later Párkányi Quartet. Párkányi purchased the violin in the 70s and it can be heard on all of the recordings of the Orlando Quartet and the Párkányi Quartet.

The Vinaccia family was the other great instrument-making dynasty of 18th-century Naples, second only to the Gaglianos in prominence. Their output, however, was far broader: while the Gaglianos concentrated principally on bowed instruments, the Vinaccias produced large numbers of mandolins and guitars and comparatively few violins.

Gennaro Vinaccia was one of the leading early members of the family. His violins are built on what can broadly be considered a Gagliano model, yet retain a distinct personality of their own, particularly in the treatment of the purfling, the soundholes, and the model of the head.

This very fine example is made with an exceptional piece of maple for the back and is attractively and carefully executed throughout. It is a compelling reminder that, although the Gaglianos dominated violin making in 18th-century Naples, the Vinaccias were also capable of producing instruments of high quality, individuality, and lasting appeal.
  • Proforma Certificate: Jason Price, New York, NY (Sep 16 2026)
  • Dendrochronology report: Peter Ratcliff, London (Dec 27 2023) Dates the latest ring of the bass and treble side as 1726 and 1699, respectively. Printed report available for purchase upon request.

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Ending on Oct 1 at
4:25 PM Berlin / 3:25 PM London / 10:25 AM New York

Estimate: €80,000–120,000

Bidding opens Sep 22, 2026 11:00 AM CEST

★ WATCH ITEM

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Ω - TI - non-antique - additional 19% import VAT charged on the hammer
‡ - TI - antique - additional 19% import VAT charged on the hammer
† - Normal VAT rules - 19% VAT charged on hammer and premium
No Symbol - Margin Scheme - 19% VAT-in-lieu charged on the premium (except when exported within 3 months)

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