Raffaele Gagliano
Naples, 1791–1857
Raffaele Gagliano (1791-1857) was a Neapolitan instrument maker, son of Giovanni Gagliano and grandson of Nicola Gagliano. He often collaborated with his brother, Antonio Gagliano. While his instruments are generally considered to be of inferior quality, characterized by features such as crudely cut scrolls, plain materials, and nondescript brown varnish, they did exhibit good low arching and a distinctive use of slab-cut maple for backs. Later in his career, he and his brother shifted their focus to string manufacturing, establishing a factory in Naples that became one of Italy's best.
Auction Price History
Highest auction price
20 results
| Type | Details | Auction house | Sold | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violin | 35.6 cm 1830 c. (violin reduced in size) | — | January 2011 | £24,000 |
| Violin | 35.5 cm 1800 c. | — | January 2010 | £72,000 |
| Violin | 35.5 cm 1790 c. | — | January 2010 | £61,250 |
| Cello | 73.0 cm Naples, 1848 | — | January 2010 | £90,000 |
| Violin | 35.1 cm Naples, 1852 | — | January 2010 | £38,400 |
| Cello | 74.3 cm Naples, 1820 c. | — | January 2009 | £48,525 |
| Cello | 73.0 cm Naples, 1857 | — | January 2008 | £101,520 |
| Violin | 35.6 cm Naples, 1840 c. | — | January 2008 | £20,007 |
| Violin | 35.5 cm Napoli, 1858 Probably by | — | January 2008 | £11,049 |
| Violin | 35.6 cm 1862 | — | January 2007 | £12,615 |
| Violin | 35.5 cm Naples, 1850 c. | — | January 2006 | £33,528 |
| Violin | 35.1 cm Naples, 1830 c. | — | January 2006 | £44,206 |
| Cello | 1820-30 | — | January 1996 | £69,000 |
| Violin | 1820 c. | — | January 1995 | £14,950 |
| Violin | 1857 | — | January 1992 | £14,300 |
| Violin | 1859 | — | January 1990 | £17,600 |
| Viola | 36.5 cm 1820-30 | — | January 1987 | £2,310 |
| Cello | 1848 | — | January 1985 | £16,200 |
| Violin | 1846 | — | January 1982 | £5,280 |
| Violin | 1850 | — | January 1980 | £1,540 |
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Maker Overview
Life
Raffaele Gagliano (1791-1857) was born in Naples, Italy, the son of Giovanni Gagliano. He worked primarily in Naples, often in collaboration with his brother, Antonio Gagliano. died on December 9, 1857. After some years of instrument making, the brothers confined themselves to manufacturing strings, establishing a factory that became one of the best in Italy.
Characteristics
- Workmanship
- The quality of Raffaele Gagliano's work is generally described as rather poor or ordinary. John Dilworth notes a crudely cut scroll, plain materials, and a diminished pattern with flat edges. George Hart states that the merit belonging to him and his brother is of the slightest kind, with some English provincial makers showing themselves superior.
- Archings
- Despite other criticisms, his instruments are noted for good low arching.
- Materials
- He frequently used slab-cut maple for the backs of his instruments, a practice that differed from other members of his family.
- Varnish
- His instruments typically feature a nondescript thin brown varnish, or simply a brown lacquer.
- Raffaele ed Antonio Gagliano
Quondam Giovanni
Neapoli 1857John Dilworth - Raffaele, ed Antonio Gagliano
Fabricanti e Negozianti
Di Violini, Viole, Violoncelli, Controbassi,
e Corde armoniche
Strada Sedile di S. Giuseppe n.17 primo pianoJohn Dilworth
Influence and legacy
- Family Lineage: Raffaele Gagliano was the son of Giovanni Gagliano and the grandson of Nicola Gagliano.
- Collaboration: He worked mostly with his brother, Antonio Gagliano.
- Business Evolution: After a period of instrument making, Raffaele Gagliano and his brother Antonio transitioned their focus to manufacturing strings. Their string factory in Naples became renowned as one of the best in Italy.
Further Information
- Label Text: John Dilworth records two examples of labels used by Raffaele Gagliano. One reads: "Raffaele ed Antonio Gagliano / Quondam Giovanni / Neapoli 1857". Another, more detailed label, indicates their profession and address: "Raffaele, ed Antonio Gagliano / Fabricanti e Negozianti / Di Violini, Viole, Violoncelli, Controbassi, / e Corde armoniche / Strada Sedile di S. Giuseppe n.17 primo piano".
Biographies
The overview above is drawn from the following published accounts. Read them in the original:
John Dilworth+
GAGLIANO, Raffaele Born 1791, died 1857 Naples Italy. Son of Giovanni Gagliano, above. Work rather poor in quality; crudely cut scroll, plain materials and diminished pattern with flat edges. Nondescript thin brown varnish, but good low arching. Differed from the rest of his family in frequently using slab-cut maple for the backs. Raffaele ed Antonio Gagliano / Quondam Giovanni / Neapoli 1857 Raffaele, ed Antonio Gagliano / Fabricanti e Negozianti / Di Violini, Viole, Violoncelli, Controbassi, / e Corde armoniche / Strada Sedile di S. Giuseppe n.17 primo piano
George Hart+
Th[is] makers bring the family down to a very recent date as residents in Naples. The merit belonging to them is of the slightest kind. Some of our English provincial makers have shown themselves superior.
Cecie Stainer+
Sons of Giovanni, grandsons of Nicola. The dates of births are unknown ; Raffaele d. Dec. 9, 1857, and Antonio June 27, 1860. They worked together in Naples, but their instruments are inferior. After a few years they confined themselves to manufacturing strings, their factory becoming one of the best in Italy.
Willibald Leo Lütgendorff+
Sohn,von Giovanni. Arbeitete meist mit seinem Bruder Antonio zusammen, brauner
Lack, gewöhnliche Arbeit.
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