Giuseppe Gagliano

History

Giuseppe Gagliano (1726–1793) was a prominent Neapolitan violin maker, born and died in Naples. According to John Dilworth and Cecie Stainer, he was the son and pupil of Nicola Gagliano. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff identifies him as the second son of Nicola Gagliano and brother of Ferdinando, Antonio, and Giovanni. However, George Hart states he was the son of Ferdinando. Dilworth notes that he worked circa 1770–1800, a period extending beyond his recorded death year of 1793. He was initially an effective and consistent maker (Dilworth) but later worked in partnership with his brother Antonio (Dilworth, Lütgendorff). During this collaboration, his quality generally declined (Dilworth). Labels from this partnership include: "Joseph et Antonius Gagliano / fecit anno 1787 / in Platea dicta Cerriglio" [Joseph and Antonius Gagliano made this in the year 1787, in the street called Cerriglio], and "Joseph et Antonius / Gagliano filii Nicolai / et Nepotes Ja / nuarij. F. Neap. 1770" [Joseph and Antonius Gagliano, sons of Nicola and grandsons of Januarius, made this in Naples. 1770.]. A label attributed to a workshop operating in 1815, "Fabbrica di Violini, ed altri strumenti armonici dei Fratelli Giuseppe / ed Antonio Gagliano. Napoli, 1815 / Strada Cerriglionum. 37" [Factory of Violins and other harmonic instruments of the Brothers Giuseppe and Antonio Gagliano. Naples, 1815, Cerriglio Street 37.] (Dilworth), presents a significant chronological anomaly given Giuseppe Gagliano's death in 1793, suggesting it may refer to a continuation of the family workshop under their name, or a different Giuseppe Gagliano.

Craft

• Innovation: Willibald Leo Lütgendorff notes that Giuseppe Gagliano understood tone well, resulting in instruments known for their good sound.
• Methods: Giuseppe Gagliano was initially known for being an effective and consistent maker (Dilworth). Lütgendorff, however, observed that he often worked following his father's models 'without great care,' which may refer to a less meticulous approach, especially in his later period or when collaborating. His work is characterized by crudely cut scrolls with a very restricted throat (Dilworth). Some of his examples were decorated somewhat in the manner of Stradivari (Dilworth). He crafted violins, cithers, and mandolines (Stainer), and his cellos are also highly regarded (Lütgendorff). His instruments feature a thin, transparent varnish, typically orange to golden-brown, applied over a stained ground (Dilworth). This varnish is described as characteristic of his family's tradition (Lütgendorff). He utilized a variety of labels (Lütgendorff), and an additional label with a religious dedication is often found fixed to the upper rib inner surface (Dilworth). Examples of his labels include: "Giuseppe Gaglianus filius Nicolai / fecit Neapoli. 1787" [Giuseppe Gagliano, son of Nicola, made this in Naples. 1787.], "Giuseppe Galiano di Nicola / fecit Napoli, 1781" [Giuseppe Gagliano, son of Nicola, made this in Naples. 1781.], "Joseph Gagliano filius / Nicolai et nepos Ja / nuarius fecit Neapoli / 1793" [Joseph Gagliano, son of Nicola and grandson of Januarius, made this in Naples. 1793.], and "Joseph Gagliano filius / Nicolai fecit Neap. 1761" [Joseph Gagliano, son of Nicola, made this in Naples. 1761.] (Dilworth).

Influence

• Training and Mentorship: He was a pupil of Nicola Gagliano (Dilworth).
• Schools/Tradition: He was a prominent Neapolitan violin maker (Stainer, Dilworth).
• Notable Associations: He worked in partnership with his brother Antonio Gagliano (Dilworth, Lütgendorff).

Further Information

• Technical Characteristics: His instruments often feature crudely cut scrolls with very restricted throats. A distinctive element is his use of a thin, transparent varnish, typically ranging from orange to golden-brown, applied over a stained ground (Dilworth).
• Historical Uncertainties: Sources present conflicting information regarding his parentage: John Dilworth and Cecie Stainer identify him as the son of Nicola Gagliano, with Willibald Leo Lütgendorff further specifying him as Nicola's second son. However, George Hart states he was the son of Ferdinando. There are also discrepancies concerning his active working period; while Stainer provides his death year as 1793, Dilworth notes he "Worked circa 1770–1800," and an attributed workshop label even dates to 1815, implying a continued presence or an error in attribution given his established death date.

Summary

Giuseppe Gagliano (1726–1793) was a prominent Neapolitan violin maker. Identified by most sources as the son and pupil of Nicola Gagliano, though his parentage is disputed by one source who names Ferdinando as his father. He began his career as an effective and consistent maker, but his quality generally declined later, particularly during his partnership with his brother Antonio. His instruments are characterized by crudely cut scrolls with restricted throats and a thin, transparent orange to golden-brown varnish. Despite some observations of working 'without great care' on his father's models, he was noted for understanding tone well, producing violins known for their good sound, alongside highly regarded cellos, cithers, and mandolines. He utilized various labels, sometimes including religious dedications or noting his collaborative efforts with Antonio. Historical records also show some discrepancies regarding his exact working period and family relationships.