Scan 55
Cremona: an account of the Italian violin-makers and their instruments, 1894
14 lines. Read by computer on 3 September 2026. Printed page 33. See the scan on archive.org.
1The scroll is mean-looking, more contracted and without curve, and is roughly worked. He did not always select the most handsome wood, and the back and sides often bear the mark of a band twisted round them. The varnish is very clear, generally yellow in different shades. (i)
373. GAGLIANO, Nicolo. Son of Alexander. Naples, 1700-1741. His violins and violoncellos are carefully made, and show an inclination towards originality. He did not work after his father's pattern, but chose a smaller one, similar to that of Stradivarius; about half-way between the Amatisé violins and those of the long pattern. Of his best period some large violins only exist. The varnish is dark, the scroll handsome, the archings moderately high, and the F holes widely cut. (j)
574. GAGLIANO, Giuseppe. Naples, 1740-1750. He worked in similar fashion to his father, Nicolo, and appears to have made but few instruments.
775. GAGLIANO, Ferdinando. Naples, 1740-1780. The second son of Nicolas; he worked more after the pattern of Alessandro. His violoncellos are excellent. (k)
9(i) Another, and a more probable, account of Alessandro Gagliano's origin as a violin-maker is that he was compelled to flee from Naples on account of the result of a duel, and took refuge at Cremona, where he earned his bread by working in Stradivari's workshop. Another label of his, given by De Piccolellis, is, "Alexander Gaglianus fecit Neap. 17—." Vidal states that he died in 1725. One of the best known of his instruments is a fine violoncello, formerly in the Quinefaut Collection.
11(j) Nicolo, or Nicola, Gagliano was the eldest son of Alessandro. Many of his instruments have passed under the name of Stradivari. His workmanship is superior to that of his father. Other labels of his are known: (1) "Nicolaii Gagliano fecit in Napoli 1711" and (2) "Nicolaus Gagliano filius Alexandri fecit Neap. 17—."
13(k) Ferdinando is stated to have been the eldest son of Nicolo. Two violins of his were shown at Vienna in 1892, marked 1756 and 1762 respectively, with the label, "Ferdinantus Caliano Neapoli."
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