Pasquale Ventapane

History

Pasquale Ventapane. Sources contain conflicting information regarding the life dates of Pasquale Ventapane; Karel Jalovec states he worked from 1740 to 1801, while John Dilworth indicates he was born in 1830 and died in 1890 in Naples, Italy. According to John Dilworth, he was the son or possibly the brother of Lorenzo Ventapane. He established himself independently at 23 via Speranzella, Naples. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff suggests he might be the father or brother of Vincenzo V., to whom his work is similar.

Craft

• Workmanship: John Dilworth describes his work as fairly coarse, generally inferior to that of Lorenzo Ventapane, with extended soundholes sometimes located very close to the edges and lower wings unfluted. He also notes flat narrow edges to the plates and crudely formed scrolls. In contrast, Karel Jalovec states that his instruments feature tastefully carved scrolls that are somewhat larger, and graceful sound-holes located in a good position.
• Varnish: Henri Poidras mentions an orange yellow varnish. Karel Jalovec notes the use of a good red varnish. John Dilworth describes the varnish as similar to Lorenzo's in texture, appearing in hard pale brown or more often yellow shades.
• Scrolls: Henri Poidras observes that the eye of the scroll protrudes greatly. John Dilworth specifically notes that the 'cellos, in particular, have very prominent eyes.
• Tone Quality: Henri Poidras highlights excellent tone qualities. Karel Jalovec also states that the sound is excellent, and his 'cellos are exquisite.
• Models: Karel Jalovec states that Pasquale Ventapane worked on the model of Giuseppe Gagliano, though he used a larger pattern which helps distinguish his instruments from Gagliano's.
• Specialization: Willibald Leo Lütgendorff suggests that he seems to have primarily made 'cellos.

Influence

• School: Henri Poidras notes that the influence of the Gagliano School is still noticeable in his work.
• Teacher: According to his labels, as cited by John Dilworth, Pasquale Ventapane was a pupil of Antonio Gagliano.
• Model: Karel Jalovec states that he worked on the model of Giuseppe Gagliano.

Further Information

• Labels: His labels read "Ventapane Pasquale. Fabricante di violini e violoncelli, via Speranzella N° 23 Napoli" according to Henri Poidras, and "Ventapane Pasquale / Fabricante di violini e violoncelli / via Speranzella No. 23 Napoli" as cited by John Dilworth. Karel Jalovec notes that some instruments from his hand have even been marked with Gagliano's label.
• Pricing: Karel Jalovec mentions a price of 24,000 Kc for his instruments.

Summary

Pasquale Ventapane was a Neapolitan violin and 'cello maker, though sources provide conflicting dates for his life, ranging from 1740-1801 (Karel Jalovec) to 1830-1890 (John Dilworth). He was either the son or brother of Lorenzo Ventapane or Vincenzo V. and established his workshop at 23 via Speranzella, Naples. He was influenced by the Gagliano School and, according to his labels, was a pupil of Antonio Gagliano, often working on the model of Giuseppe Gagliano. His instruments are noted for their excellent tone qualities, with 'cellos being particularly exquisite. Descriptions of his workmanship and varnish color vary among historians, with some noting coarse work and others praising tastefully carved scrolls.