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164:

A VIOLIN BY ANTONIO GRAGNANI, LIVORNO, 1778

164: A VIOLIN BY ANTONIO GRAGNANI, LIVORNO, 1778


Labeled, "Antonio Gragnani fecit Liburni Anno 1778."

Branded to the button and to the lower ribs, "A. G." Whalebone purfling. 

LOB: 35.5 cm

This violin by Antonio Gragnani, made in Livorno in 1778, is an exceptional and highly characteristic example of the maker’s work, preserved in excellent condition and retaining much of its original varnish. As is typical for Gragnani, the instrument is branded both beneath the button and on the lower rib, and it also bears its original label.

Although traditionally grouped within the Florentine school, Gragnani worked in nearby Livorno on the Tuscan coast, and his instruments diverge markedly from those of his Florentine contemporaries. His model, broadly inspired by Stradivari, is nevertheless highly individual, particularly in the distinctive character of the scroll. He is also one of the few Italian makers to use whalebone for purfling, as is the case in this example.

This example demonstrates Gragnani’s refined craftsmanship and discerning choice of materials, with a two-piece back of strongly flamed maple and a rich, lustrous reddish-brown varnish. The result is an instrument of striking visual presence. In addition to a certificate issued by Jason Price for Tarisio, the violin is accompanied by certificates from Max Möller and J. & A. Beare.

Note: This lot is subject to CITES regulations when exporting outside the EU. Click here for more information.

  • Proforma Certificate: Jason Price, New York, NY (Apr 22 2026)
  • Dendrochronology report: Sondre Lie, Oslo (Jul 23 2025) Dates the latest ring of the bass and treble sides as 1769.
  • Certificate: Max Möller & Son, Amsterdam (Dec 11 1951)
  • Letter certificate: John & Arthur Beare, London (Oct 13 1950)

View Documents


Ending on May 7 at
5:04 PM Berlin / 4:04 PM London / 11:04 AM New York

Estimate: €80,000–120,000

Bidding opens Apr 28, 2026 11:00 AM CEST

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VAT symbols on Description:

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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