The History
The Gagliano family were renowned for their craft, dominating violin making in Naples until the early 1850s.
As the eldest son of Alessandro Gagliano, Nicolò was the most famous member of the family. Although more prolific than his brother Gennaro, both brothers were considered amongst the finest makers of the Neapolitan tradition.
Often portrayed as the pinnacle of Neapolitan violin making, Nicolò crafted an array of fine instruments throughout his life.
One of the most talented makers in a family lineage spanning two centuries, Nicolò’s instruments remain one of the most highly sought-after collections of the Gagliano family.
Notable Nicolò Gagliano Sales
Florian Leonhard Fine Violins has had the privilege of handling numerous exceptional instruments by Nicolò Gagliano, including violins dating from as early as 1730 through to 1780, as well as a rare cello crafted between 1745 and 1750. These instruments, consistently admired for their tonal capabilities and superb craftsmanship, continue to be sought after by leading musicians and collectors worldwide.
Notable Nicolò Gagliano Sales
The pinnacle of Neapolitan tradition
Nicolò’s work was distinctive, standing out amongst the crowd with its consistently high standards of craftsmanship and sound quality.
Recognisable by their bold characteristics, Nicolò’s instruments are pronounced, with well-proportioned arching, unusual scrolls with an elongated pegbox and a small, tight spiral. He often put a small label inside his instruments, which included a religious dedication.
Nicolò and his brother, Gennaro, developed a slightly green-yellow varnish, using beech wood for the lining and paper fibre for the black outer strips of the purfling. These pioneering elements would soon become the hallmark of the Neapolitan school.
Many of Nicolò’s instruments were often mistaken for Stradivari’s work. His output was brilliantly unique and unconventional, but portrayed strong Stradivari influences with distinguishable Gagliano qualities.
Alessandro Gagliano’s descendants, particularly his sons Nicolò and Gennaro, developed a style that came to define the Neapolitan school. Their work introduced a clear, recognisable language of craftsmanship, seen in their edgework, purfling, internal construction, arching, and varnish, that endured for nearly two centuries. Their arching tends to be broad, with a narrow channel and varied heights, sometimes full and sometimes flatter, but always promoting a strong, resonant tone.
Occasionally, Gagliano instruments can be built quite thick, leading to a harder response if not properly set up. However, when well-tuned, the best instruments of Nicolò and Gennaro are exceptional. This legacy extended through to the next generation of the family such as Ferdinand, forming a large and influential dynasty.
“At Florian Leonhard Fine Violins we have a wealth of experience handling instruments by all members of the Gagliano family. Each sale finds us celebrating their exceptional tonal qualities which are among the finest-sounding examples of old Italian workmanship.”
Florian Leonhard Fine Violins
Cremonese influence
It is evident from Gagliano’s work that his personal style was heavily impacted by his understanding of Cremonese models. Nicolò mirrored this style within his work, whilst retaining the features that made it his own. His dedication to the Cremonese school was so superb that some of his finest works were often regarded as authentic Stradivaris and Amatis.
When it comes to Alessandro Gagliano, we found subtle parallels with the Cremonese tradition through the varnish recipe, ground, choice of tonewood, and even the dendrochronological matches of his tables. However, stylistically–especially in the corner work–there is no direct imitation; his approach is unique. Alessandro developed a personal style of making, characterised by slightly pinched arching. Amongst Alessandro’s instruments, the larger models are particularly outstanding and, in some respects, comparable to those of Nicolò Amati.
A Heritage Forged Over Generations
Where Neapolitan Character Meets Cremonese Influence
When it comes to Alessandro Gagliano, an exceptional figure in Neapolitan violin making, we find intriguing parallels with the Cremonese tradition. His varnish recipe, ground, choice of tonewood, and even the dendrochronological matches of his tables, all show links with Cremona. This suggests a mysterious connection to the Cremonese school. However, stylistically–especially in the corner work–there is no direct imitation; his approach is uniquely individual.
Alessandro’s Legacy as a Cello Maker
Alessandro’s cellos in particular, which are celebrated for their exceptional tonal qualities, are amongst the finest-sounding examples of old Italian workmanship. It’s fascinating that the founder of such an important dynasty developed his craft so independently, yet still with subtle links to Cremonese methods.
Nicolò and Gennaro’s Evolution of the Neapolitan Style
Alessandro’s descendants, particularly his sons Nicolò and Gennaro, quickly moved in a different direction, developing a style that came to define the Neapolitan school. Their work introduced a clear, recognisable language of craftsmanship—seen in their edgework, purfling, internal construction, arching, and varnish—that endured for nearly two centuries. This legacy extended through to the next generation of the family such as Ferdinand, forming a large and influential dynasty.
Wider Influence and the Enduring Gagliano Name
Their influence also extended to the Vinaccia family, who were instrument makers as well, and to the Ventapanes. The tradition continued well into the late 19th and early 20th centuries through makers like Pistucci, Altavilla, and Sannino. These luthiers often produced fine copies of Gaglianos and, in many cases, continued to use the Gagliano label, preserving that name for the modern era.
Tonal Qualities of Later Gagliano Instruments
Beyond Alessandro, the best instruments of Nicolò, Gennaro, and Ferdinand are particularly remarkable. These violins and cellos exhibit bold character, strong edgework, and a fluent stylistic language. Their arching tends to be broad, with a narrow channel and varied heights—sometimes full and sometimes flatter—but always promoting a strong, resonant tone. Occasionally, Gagliano instruments can be built quite thick, leading to a harder response if not properly set up. However, when well-tuned, they are exceptional instruments.
Recognition and Collectability
For many years, Gagliano instruments stood in the shadow of the more famous North Italian makers. As a result, they command less high sales prices considering their historical and musical value, a testament to their quality and the lasting impact of the Gagliano dynasty on violin making.
