Ferdinando Gagliano

History

Ferdinando Gagliano (1724-1795) was born in Naples, Italy. Sources contain conflicting information regarding his birth and death dates; while John Dilworth states he was born in 1724 and worked circa 1770-1795, Cecie Stainer indicates he was born in 1706 and died around 1781. He was the eldest son of Nicola Gagliano and grandson of Alessandro Gagliano. He worked in Naples, Italy.

Craft

• Workmanship: Ferdinando Gagliano's work shows elements of both his father, Nicola, and his uncle, Gennaro, though his workmanship is described by John Dilworth as being of a more restrained order. Cecie Stainer notes a decadence in his work compared to his father's, stating it was not as arched, thicknesses were not accurate, and the finish was less careful. However, George Hart describes his instruments as usually excellently made, and Willibald Leo Lütgendorff considers him a very good master, whose work is similar to Alessandro Gagliano's. He is known to have imitated the last Stradivari model.
• Varnish: John Dilworth describes his varnish as generally tending towards a thinner, harder quality. In contrast, Cecie Stainer notes his varnish was richer in color than that used by other family members, and George Hart mentions a warmer tint. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff specifies a good, reddish-brown or yellow varnish of warm color.
• Characteristics: His instruments often feature a small, tightly-wound scroll. The upper wing of the treble 'f' is carved downward in a distinctive manner. The outline frequently exhibits an awkward transition from the outward curve of the lower bouts into the concave lines of the corner. Some examples include decorative inlay. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff notes he used flatter arching and a broader pattern than his father, and was less careful in his choice of wood.
• Instruments: Violins and basses by Ferdinando Gagliano are known, dated up to the year of his death. A very good alto dated 1753 is also known. His cellos are considered his best instruments.

Influence

• Training: Ferdinando Gagliano was the son of Nicola Gagliano and was probably trained by his uncle Gennaro Gagliano.

Legacy

• Family: Willibald Leo Lütgendorff states that Ferdinando Gagliano is said to have had a son named Giuseppe.

Further Information

• Labels: Additional labels with religious dedications are often found fixed to the upper rib inner surface of his instruments. Common label inscriptions include "Ferdinandus Gagliano Filius / Nicolai, Fecit Neap. 17.." and "Ferdinando Gagliano, me fecit / Neapoli, anno 17.." Cecie Stainer also cites "Ferdinando Gagliani, me fecit Neapoli, anno 1730."
• Trade Practices: He also worked for the trade at low prices, which, according to Cecie Stainer, meant some of his instruments are not of much value.

Summary

Ferdinando Gagliano, a Neapolitan luthier, was the son of Nicola Gagliano and grandson of Alessandro Gagliano, with conflicting birth and death dates (1724-1795 or 1706-1781). Likely trained by his uncle Gennaro Gagliano, his craftsmanship is described with varying quality, from excellent to showing decadence compared to his father's work, particularly in arching and finish. He is recognized for specific stylistic elements such as a small, tightly-wound scroll and a distinctive 'f' wing. His output included violins, basses, and notably, highly regarded cellos. He also produced instruments for trade at lower prices, which sometimes led to pieces of lesser value.