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Violin by Giuseppe Gagliano, Naples 1762
Full description
The violin displays all the classical features that define Gagliano’s mature style: a strong, full arching that lends power and resonance, finely cut f-holes with a graceful sweep and symmetry, and the thin, darkly lined purfling—traditionally made of blackened paper—that gives Neapolitan instruments their characteristic delicate framing. The edgework is lightly rounded and perfectly balanced, while the corners show the precision and restraint that distinguish Giuseppe’s hand from that of his predecessors.
The varnish is a masterpiece in itself—a luminous golden hue that shimmers over a warm amber ground, revealing both depth and transparency. It retains the soft, textured surface and radiant glow typical of Naples’ finest work, enhancing the visual beauty of the carefully chosen tonewoods: a finely grained spruce top and a two-piece maple back with deep, vivid flaming.
Beyond its acoustic excellence, this violin represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of Italian violin making. Under Giuseppe’s hand, the Gagliano workshop continued to merge Cremonese discipline with southern lyricism, producing instruments of enduring charm and expressive depth. This 1762 example is not only a testament to Giuseppe Gagliano’s artistry but also a living symbol of Naples’ contribution to the grand tradition of Italian violin-making.
dimensions
Back Length
356 mm
String Length
325 mm
Upper Bout
165 mm
Center Bout
118 mm
Lower Bout
206 mm
sound characteristics
Tonally, the instrument embodies the Gagliano ideals—clear, warm, and projecting, with a rich middle register and a brilliant upper range. Its sound carries both the sweetness associated with the Neapolitan school and the structural clarity that echoes its Cremonese inspiration.
Made by
Giuseppe Gagliano
Giuseppe Gagliano was one of the central figures of the third generation of the Gagliano family, the dynasty that defined Neapolitan violin making in the 18th century. His work represents a period of consolidation and refinement within the Neapolitan school—balancing classical ideals with a distinctly southern warmth and individuality.
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