Gagliano family of luthiers

There are as many as eighteen violin makers named Gagliano that are known worldwide today. Below are a few of the more recognizable luthiers.

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Alessandro Gagliano

(c. 1700 - c. 1735) Naples, Italy. As a youth, Alessandro worked in the shops of famed luthiers Nicolo Amati and Antonio Stradivari. After returning to Naples from Cremona, he became the founder of the Neapolitan school. Authentic examples of his instruments in good condition are scarce. A few violas, cellos, one double bass, and several violins have survived.

Alexandri [or Alessandro] Gagliano
Alumnus Antonio Stradivarius
fecit Anno 1722

Nicolò Gagliano I

(c. 1740 - c. 1780) Naples, Italy. Nicolò Gagliano was the eldest son of Alessandro and made many admirable instruments in his long life. His instruments have been often imitated and even occasionally mistaken for those belonging to Stradivari.

Nicolaii Gagliano fecit
in Napoli 1711

Gennaro or Januarius Gagliano

(c. 1740 - c. 1780) Naples, Italy. The second son of Alessandro, Gennaro created some well-made instruments and had a prominent position in the family.

Fernando Gagliano

(c. 1770 - c. 1795) He was the eldest son of Nicolò I and made some magnificent as well as nondescript trade instruments. However, he had a prodigious output of instruments. Occasionally, instruments with his label actually belonged to his father or to his brother.

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