Nicolò Gagliano (active. c. 1730s – 1787 in Naples), although there is some discussion about the exact dates) (also known as Nicolo, Nicola or Nicolaus Gagliano - also sometimes known as Nicolò I, to differentiate him from Nicolò II, his grandson), was an Italian violin-maker, the eldest son of Alessandro Gagliano. He made many admirable instruments, often imitated. Some have been mistaken for those of Stradivari. Nicolò was a more prolific maker than his brother Gennaro (Januarius). Nicolò and Gennaro are considered the greatest luthiers in the Gagliano family and the pinnacle of Neapolitan violin-making. Although Nicolò's work is not always entirely consistent in quality, it often shows great distinction. His instruments have bold and well-proportioned archings, with the instrument scrolls having a distinctive elongated pegbox and small tight spiral. He often placed a small label with a religious dedication inside his instruments.[1]

Nicolò Gagliano had four sons, all makers — Ferdinando, Giuseppe (Joseph), Antonio, and Giovanni. Giuseppe's three sons Raffaele, Antonio and Nicolò (II) were also violin makers and carried the family's violin-making tradition into the middle of the 19th century.

Typical labels:

Nicolaii Gagliano fecit
in Napoli 1711

Nicolaus Gagliano filius
Alexandri fecit Neap. 1732

See also

References

  1. Dilworth, John (2012). The Brompton's Book of Violin and Bow Makers. Usk Publishing. ISBN 9780957349902.

Article based on a text prepared by the Smithsonian Institution


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