Author:Nicolò Gagliano(1714-1785)

Year：1781

Size:Length:72 x Width:22 x Height:9.8 (cm)

Introduction：Born in the Gagliano luthier family, which was famous in the 18th century Naples, Nicolò Gagliano was one of the most creative members in the family. He often adopted varnish of transparent gold, while sometimes brownish yellow or reddish orange. Although his craftsmanship is not the best, the distinctive bright tonal quality of his works shows characteristics of Italian instruments. The rich lower register with a slight dryness suggests that his instruments are of superior quality.

This Viola d'Amore is in perfect condition. Among the 12 tuning pegs on the scroll, six of them hold sympathetic strings, which run through the bridge and under the fingerboard into the pegbox. The original nails adopted by Nicolò are still in the base of the neck. According to the patterns and text on the ribs, this instrument was made in 1781 for the Tonio family in Naples. The precious varnish and decorations certainly demonstrated the nobility of the buyer.

With the rise of the middle class in the 19th century, there arrived an influx of demand in the market for violin instruments. The Gagliano family, which had passed down its luthier tradition since the 18th century, started a mass production of affordable instruments. Since most of the surviving instruments made in southern Italy at that time were made for ordinary citizens, this particular instrument made by Gagliano family proves their capability to provide exquisite violins for the nobility in long history.

Accession Number:0007247003