Ferdinando Gagliano, Naples, 1793, the 'Bellarosa'
Cello: 46743
Labeled, "Ferdinandus Gaglianus Filius / Nicolai fecit Neap.1793."
Back: Two-piece, semi-slab-cut maple
Length of back: 50.3 cm
Upper bouts: 24.7 cm
Middle bouts: 16.6 cm
Lower bouts: 30.7 cm
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Notes:
This remarkably well preserved small cello may be completely original down to the bridge. Wear on the instrument suggests that it was truly used by a child, as opposed to an adult playing a small instrument at higher pitch. The fine workmanship suggests use by a wealthy child or recognized child prodigy, as the instrument would have been higher quality than average.Provenance
| Bellarosa | |
| in 1962 | Sold by Emil Herrmann, New York |
| 1962-1984 | Laurence C. Witten |
| from 1984 | Shrine to Music, National Music Museum, South Dakota |
References
Gagliano piccolo cello; Shrine to Music Museum
The Jacques Français Rare Violins, Inc. Photographic Archive and Business Records, 1844-1998, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC (illustrated)