Gagliano family

Alessandro Gagliano

( 1700 – 1735) Naples, Italy. As a youth, Alessandro worked in the shops of famed luthiers Nicolo Amati and Antonio Stradivari. After returning to Naples from Cremona, he became the founder of the Neapolitan school. Authentic examples of his instruments in good condition are scarce. A few violas, cellos, one double bass, and several violins have survived.

• Typical label:

Alexandri [or Alessandro] Gagliano

Alumnus Antonio Stradivarius

fecit Anno 1722

Nicolò Gagliano I

(active 1730 – 27 August 1787) Naples, Italy. Nicolò Gagliano (also known as Nicolo, Nicola or the Latinised Nicolaus) was the eldest son of Alessandro and is generally considered the most famous luthier of the Gagliano family (he is known as Nicolò I to differentiate him from his grandson Nicolò II). He made many admirable instruments in his long life. His instruments have often been copied or imitated, and were occasionally even mistaken for those of Antonio Stradivari.

• Typical labels:

Nicolaii Gagliano fecit

in Napoli 1711

or

Nicolaus Gagliano filius

Alexandri fecit Neap. 1752

Gennaro Gagliano

(active 1740 – 1780) Naples, Italy. The second son of Alessandro, Gennaro (also known by his Latinised name Januarius) created some well-made instruments and had a prominent position in the family.

Ferdinando Gagliano

(born 1724, active 1770 – 1795) Naples, Italy. Ferdinando was the eldest son of Nicolò I, although probably taught by his uncle Gennaro. He made some magnificent as well as undistinguished instruments. However, he had a prodigious output of instruments. Occasionally, instruments with his label were actually made by his father or his brother.

Labels: Ferdinandus Gagliano Filius / Nicolai, Fecit Neap. 17..

Ferdinando Gagliano, me fecit / Neapoli, anno 17..

References

• " Ferdinand Gagliano Violin and Viola" by John Dilworth on the Amati website.

References

1. Dilworth, John. (2012). "The Brompton's Book of Violin and Bow Makers". Usk Publishing.