Gennaro Vinaccia

History

Gennaro Vinaccia (1755-1778) was a senior member of the Vinaccia family of mandolin and violin makers, active in Naples from 1755 to 1778.He established his workshop in Naples in rua Catalana at the sign 'Cremona'. Gennaro Vinaccia was the son of Antonio Vinaccia and the father of Antonio, Giovanni, and Vincenzo. His labels include "Januarius Vinaccia fecit Napoli / Sub Signo Cremonae anno Domini 1757" and "Januarius Vinaccia fecit neapoli sub / signo Cremonae in rua Catalana Anno / Domini 1778".

Craft

• Instruments: Gennaro Vinaccia produced fine violins, cellos, and mandolins.
• Models: His instruments were crafted on the models of Stradivari and Nicolo Gagliano, working in the style of the Gagliani.
• Varnish: He utilized a dark golden-yellow or brown varnish of good texture.
• Materials: Instruments were made of fine wood.
• Sound-holes: The sound-holes were tastefully finished and copied from Nicolo Gagliano.
• Tone: His instruments are noted for their good tone, particularly his violins and mandolins.
• Model Characteristics: He employed a beautiful model of medium size.
• Self-Perception: His choice to work "sub signo Cremonae" indicates his desire to be recognized as a violin maker.

Influence

• Family Tradition: Gennaro Vinaccia was the son of Antonio Vinaccia.
• Stylistic Influence: He worked in the style of the Gagliani and based his instruments on the models of Stradivari and Nicolo Gagliano.
• Specific Details: His sound-holes were copied from Nicolo Gagliano.

Legacy

• Collections: Mandolins by Gennaro Vinaccia are frequently encountered and can be found in various collections, including the Museum Kraus in Florence.
• Valuation: His violins were valued at 500-1000 M. and his instruments were priced at 40,000 Kc.

Further Information

• Workshop Location: Gennaro Vinaccia's workshop was located in Naples, specifically in rua Catalana, at the sign 'Cremona', the same street where his father and brother resided.
• Labels: Examples of his labels include "Januarius Vinaccia fecit Napoli / Sub Signo Cremonae anno Domini 1757" and "Januarius Vinaccia fecit neapoli sub / signo Cremonae in rua Catalana Anno / Domini 1778".

Summary

Gennaro Vinaccia, active from 1755 to 1778 in Naples, was a prominent member of the Vinaccia family, known for his fine violins, cellos, and mandolins. Working from his shop in rua Catalana under the sign 'Cremona', he crafted instruments in the style of the Gagliani, utilizing models from Stradivari and Nicolo Gagliano, and featuring a dark golden-yellow or brown varnish. His mandolins are particularly common and are preserved in collections such as the Museum Kraus in Florence.