Alessandro Gagliano

Alessandro was a maker active in Naples from around 1700 to 1735.

He was the founder of the Neapolitan school and the ancestor of the Gagliano dynasty, which continued until the end of the 19th century.

There is much unknown about Alessandro, including his birth and where he learned to make stringed instruments.

The label on his instrument states that he was a "pupil of Stradivari," and considering the similarities between his instruments, it is likely that he learned how to make instruments from German or Füssen string instrument makers who were living in Naples at the time.

His style also differs from that of his sons Nicola (Nicola Gagliano fl.c.1730-1787) and Gennaro (Gennaro Gagliano fl.c.1730-1780), with an Amati-style appearance, deep red pigment used for the varnish, longer stops (notches for the F-holes), and the F-holes carved underneath the instrument.

He preferred to use beautiful solid wood backs for his violins, and there are about 12 cellos in existence, including some with decorated pegboxes.

Quote《The Brompton's Book of Violin and Bow Makers》

《Four Centuries of Violin Making》