Gagliano family

There are as many as eighteen violin makers named Gagliano that are known worldwide today. Below are a few of the more recognizable luthiers.

Alessandro Gagliano

Main exponents of Gagliano family.

(c. 1700 - c. 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 ca. 1730 - ca. 1780) Naples, Italy. Nicolò Gagliano was the eldest son of Alessandro and is generally considered the most famous luthier of the Gagliano family. He made many admirable instruments in his long life. His instruments have been often copied or imitated, and were even occasionally mistaken for those belonging to Antonio Stradivari.

• Typical labels:

Nicolaii Gagliano fecit
in Napoli 1711
or
Nicolaus Gagliano filius
Alexandri fecit Neap. 1752

Gennaro or Januarius Gagliano

(c. 1740 - c. 1780) Naples, Italy. The second son of Alessandro, Gennaro created some well-made instruments and had a prominent position in the family.

Ferdinando Gagliano

Violin by Ferdinand Gagliano, c. 1760

(b.1724, c. 1770 - c. 1795 Naples) He was the eldest son of Nicolò I although probably taught by his uncle Gennaro. He made some magnificent as well as nondescript instruments. However, he had a prodigious output of instruments. Occasionally, instruments with his label actually belonged to his father or to his brother.

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

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

References

• "Violin Makers Named Gagliano". Encyclopedia Smithsonian.
• " Ferdinand Gagliano Violin and Viola" by the John Dilworth on the Amati website.