Vincenzo (II) Postiglione
Naples, 1835–1916
Vincenzo (II) Postiglione (1835-1916) was a prominent Italian violin maker born in Naples. Presumed to be the son and pupil of Vincenzo Postiglione (I), he apprenticed with Vincenzo Jorio before establishing his own workshop in Naples in 1855. He was known for his convincing copies of Nicolas Gagliano and his work on Guarneri, Stradivari, and Guadagnini models, often using a darker red-brown varnish. His prolific output included violins, violas, cellos, double basses, viola d'amores, and viols, and his shop was continued by his sons from 1910.
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Auction Price History
Highest auction price
54 results
| Type | Details | Auction house | Sold | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violin | 3/4 size violin, labelled N. 14 Vincentius Postiglione me fecit Neap: 1910 Lot 182 | Ingles & H. | October 2024 | £6,840est. £ 7,000-10,000 |
| Violin | Labelled Vincentius Postiglione, Me fecit Neapoli, 1883, inscribed P.T., V. Postiglione Napoli 1883 Lot 95 | Tarisio | June 2023 | £41,148est. € 30.000-50.000 |
| Violin | Labelled Vincentius Postiglione me fecit Neap. 1910, N. 379, inscribed Forma G. Battista Guadagnini ... Lot 192 | Ingles & Hayday | November 2022 | £42,000est. £ 35,000-50,000 |
| Violin | Labelled Vincentius Postiglione, Me fecit Neapoli, 1883, inscribed P. T., V. Postiglione Napoli 1883 Lot 145 | Tarisio | October 2022 | £57,541est. € 30.000-50.000 |
| Violin | Labelled Vincentius Postiglione me fecit Neap: 1906, N° 312, branded V. Postiglione, Napoli Lot 18 | Tarisio | November 2021 | £31,860est. £ 30,000-50,000 |
| Violin | Labelled Vincentius Postiglione, me fecit Neap: 1883, inscribed to the inside table Lot 136 | Tarisio | October 2021 | £27,910est. € 30.000-50.000 |
| Violin | Labelled Vincentius Postiglione, me fecit ..., showing the collaboration of his assistant Alfredo Contino Lot 163 | Tarisio | November 2020 | £38,509est. $ 35,000-55,000 |
| Violin | The violin appears to show the hand of Postiglione's talented assistant Alfredo Contino Lot 269 | Brompton’s | March 2015 | £24,600est. £ 20,000-25,000 |
| Violin | Labelled Vincentius Postiglione me fecit Neap. 1910, N. 379, inscribed Forma G. Battista Guadagnini ... Lot 20 | Ingles & Hayday | October 2013 | £33,600est. £ 12,000-18,000 |
| Violin | Labelled Vincentius Postiglione fecit, ad imita J. B. Guadagn, Neap: 1903, branded to the button V. P. Lot 244 | Tarisio | May 2013 | £36,604est. $ 30,000-50,000 |
| Violin | Labelled Vincentius Postiglione, No. 235, me fecit Neap, 1896, inscribed the "Neapolitan eye" Lot 206 | Tarisio | March 2013 | £42,000est. £ 40,000-60,000 |
| Violin | Labelled Vincentius Postiglione, Me fecit Neapoli, Anno 1871 Lot 206 | Tarisio | October 2012 | £54,000est. £ 30,000-50,000 |
| Cello | Lot 150 | Bonhams | March 2012 | £55,250 |
| Violin | 35.6 cm Late 19th C. Ascribed to | — | October 2011 | £20,000 |
| Cello | 74.5 cm Naples, 1880 n°18 | — | October 2011 | £84,000 |
| Violin | 35.6 cm Naples, 1885 c. Ascribed to & probably by | — | February 2011 | £6,309 |
| Violin | 35.9 cm Naples, 1892 | — | October 2010 | £78,861 |
| Viola | 41.5 cm Early 20th C. Attributed to | — | April 2010 | £11,784 |
| Violin | Naples, 1910 c. | — | April 2010 | £18,412 |
| Violin | 35.9 cm Naples, 1890 c. | — | March 2010 | £24,000 |
| Violin | 35.5 cm Attributed to | — | October 2009 | £4,078 |
| Violin | 35.8 cm Naples, 1885 | — | October 2009 | £36,050 |
| Violin | 35.6 cm Naples, 1896 | — | May 2009 | £29,115 |
| Violin | 26.0 cm Naples, 1855, Child's size | — | November 2008 | £2,668 |
| Violin | 35.5 cm Naples, 1896 Workshop | — | October 2008 | £18,084 |
| Violin | 35.9 cm Naples, 1885 Workshop | — | May 2008 | £12,572 |
| Violin | 35.7 cm Attributed to | — | October 2007 | £3,998 |
| Violin | 35.4 cm Naples, 1900 c. | — | October 2007 | £14,651 |
| Violin | 35.8 cm Naples, 1887 | — | May 2007 | £18,722 |
| Violin | 35.2 cm Naples, 1900 c. Workshop | — | May 2007 | £11,783 |
| Violin | 35.3 cm Naples, 1880 c. | — | November 2006 | £31,577 |
| Violin | 35.4 cm Naples, 1900 c. Workshop | — | October 2006 | £17,682 |
| Violin | 35.5 cm Attributed to | — | May 2006 | £5,825 |
| Violin | Probably Naples, late-19th C. Possibly by | — | November 2005 | £7,200 |
| Cello | Workshop | — | October 2005 | £11,135 |
| Violin | Naples, 1898 | — | May 2005 | £21,600 |
| Violin | 1899 | — | October 2003 | £20,355 |
| Violin | 1906 | — | July 2003 | £12,600 |
| Violin | 1881 | — | June 2002 | £28,685 |
| Violin | 1875 c. | — | November 2001 | £19,947 |
| Violin | 1890 | — | June 2001 | £17,825 |
| Violin | 1893 | — | November 1999 | £19,550 |
| Violin | 1907 | — | May 1999 | £6,332 |
| Violin | 1879 | — | March 1998 | £25,875 |
| Violin | 1890 c. | — | February 1998 | £13,855 |
| Violin | 1908 | — | November 1997 | £12,929 |
| Cello | 1885 | — | March 1997 | £48,300 |
| Violin | 1899 | — | May 1995 | £22,281 |
| Violin | 1911 | — | May 1995 | £17,969 |
| Violin | 1894 | — | March 1995 | £33,350 |
| Violin | 1902 | — | November 1994 | £4,481 |
| Violin | 1859 | — | November 1994 | £7,820 |
| Cello | 1895 | — | March 1988 | £10,450 |
| Cello | 1899 | — | June 1983 | £14,286 |
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Maker Overview
Life
Vincenzo (II) Postiglione (1835-1916) was born in 1835 in Naples, Italy, and died in 1916. He is presumed to be the son and pupil of Vincenzo Postiglione (I). He was apprenticed to Vincenzo Jorio from 1847 to 1852, and established himself independently in Naples from 1855. His shop was continued by his sons from 1910, and he was considered one of the leading Italian makers of his period.
Characteristics
- Copying
- He produced convincing copies of Nicolas Gagliano, utilizing appropriate varnish.
- Models
- He crafted Guarneri models, often featuring a darker red-brown varnish, and also made Stradivari and Guadagnini models.
- Output
- He is credited with producing 278 violins, 60 violas, 115 cellos, 29 double basses, nine viola d'amores, and 14 viols.
- Branding
- Some of his instruments are branded on the back button with 'P' and inscribed 'Vincentius Postiglione / me fecit Neapoli Anno 18..'.
- Some branded on the back button: ‘P’ Vincentius Postiglione
me fecit Neapoli Anno 18..John Dilworth
Influence and legacy
- Mentorship: He is presumed to have been the son and pupil of Vincenzo Postiglione (I).
- Apprenticeship: He served an apprenticeship under Vincenzo Jorio from 1847 to 1852.
- Family Continuity: His workshop in Naples was continued by his sons from 1910.
- Reputation: He was recognized as one of the leading Italian makers of his period.
Further Information
- Workshop Location: He established his independent workshop in Naples from 1855.
- Branding Details: Instruments are sometimes branded on the back button with 'P' and bear the inscription 'Vincentius Postiglione / me fecit Neapoli Anno 18..'.
Biographies
The overview above is drawn from the following published accounts. Read them in the original:
John Dilworth+
POSTIGLIONE, Vincenzo (II) Born 1835, died 1916 Naples Italy. Presumed son and pupil of Vincenzo Postiglione (I), above. Apprenticed to Vincenzo Jorio 1847-1852. Established independently in Naples from 1855. His shop was continued by his sons from 1910. One of the leading Italian makers of the period. Convincing copies of Nicolas Gagliano with appropriate varnish. Guarneri models with darker red-brown varnish. Stradivari and Guadagnini models also encountered. Credited with 278 violins, 60 violas, 115 cellos, 29 double basses, nine viola d’amores, and 14 viols. Some branded on the back button: ‘P’ Vincentius Postiglione / me fecit Neapoli Anno 18..
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