Giovanni (I) Gagliano

History

Giovanni (I) Gagliano (circa 1740-1806/1819) was the fourth son of Nicola Gagliano and a grandson of Alessandro Gagliano, not Gennaro, despite his labels referring to him as 'Nepos Januari', which Lütgendorff clarifies as 'nephew'. He was born no later than 1740, the year his father Nicola died, according to Willibald Leo Lütgendorff. Cecie Stainer states he died in 1806, while John Dilworth indicates he worked circa 1785-1819 in Naples, Italy, presenting conflicting information regarding his death or active period. Giovanni (I) Gagliano initially worked with his brothers Giuseppe and Antonio. During his travels around 1760, he also worked in Venice and appears to have eventually taken over his uncle's workshop with his brothers.

Craft

• Style and Varnish: Giovanni (I) Gagliano developed a strong style of his own, though the quality of his varnish was often considered inferior, typically showing a slightly green tinge due to a dark stained ground beneath, as noted by John Dilworth.
• Decoration: Some of his instruments featured inlaid decoration, crafted in the manner of Stradivari.
• Labels: An additional label with a religious dedication is frequently found fixed to the upper rib's inner surface. His labels include inscriptions such as 'Joannes Gagliano / Nepos Januari, fecit / Neapoli 18..', 'Joannes Gagliano fecit / sub Disciplina Januarius Gagliani / Neapoli. 17..', and 'Joannes Gagliani fecit sub Disciplina / Januari Gagliani Neapoli 18..'.
• Workmanship: He did not produce many instruments, and Lütgendorff describes his work as often superficial and careless. Cecie Stainer also notes that some of his violins exhibit poor workmanship, although she states he was considered superior as a maker to his three brothers. George Hart critically remarks that the merit belonging to Giovanni (I) Gagliano and his family is of the slightest kind, suggesting that some English provincial makers have shown themselves to be superior.

Influence

• Mentorship: Giovanni (I) Gagliano was a student of his uncle, Gennaro Gagliano, and worked within the traditions of his family's house.
• Family Reference: He referred to his uncle Gennaro on his labels, using the term 'Nepos Januari', which signifies his relationship as Gennaro's nephew.

Legacy

• Family Continuity: Giovanni (I) Gagliano had two sons, Raffaele and Antonio, who continued the family's presence as instrument makers in Naples.

Summary

Giovanni (I) Gagliano, born circa 1740, was a Neapolitan violin maker, the fourth son of Nicola Gagliano and a nephew of Gennaro Gagliano. He worked in Naples, with sources indicating his active period between circa 1785 and 1819, though his death is also recorded as 1806. He initially collaborated with his brothers Giuseppe and Antonio and also worked in Venice around 1760. While he developed a distinct style, his instruments are often characterized by inferior varnish and, at times, poor or superficial workmanship, despite some featuring inlaid decoration in the style of Stradivari. He had two sons, Raffaele and Antonio, who continued the family's craft.