This violin was made by Ferdinando Gagliano, one of the leading makers of the 18th-century Neapolitan school.
Ferdinando was a third-generation maker of the Gagliano family. Born as the eldest son of Nicola Gagliano, he is believed to have trained under his uncle Gennaro, and went on to develop a style of his own, relatively independent from that of his brothers. By around 1780, when this violin is thought to have been made, he was already heading his own workshop and had established himself as one of Naples’ foremost makers.
The model shows a calm, well-balanced character: the arching is generously high, yet the center never rises to an exaggerated peak. The overall form has real substance without ever feeling delicate, striking a fine balance between strength and proportion. The two-piece maple back displays a broad, gently flamed figure that flows outward from the center joint, with matching wood used for the ribs and scroll.
The spruce top, also in two pieces, has a medium grain at the center that widens gradually toward the edges.
The varnish, a golden brown with a beautiful, translucent depth, brings out the character of the wood as it has matured over the centuries.
Tonally, the violin speaks with clear definition. The lower register has both weight and richness, filling the instrument with a full, resonant sound, while the upper range projects impressively — clarity and richness carry through the entire range.
Well suited to chamber music, this violin also has the power and projection to hold its own in concerto repertoire on a larger stage.

A violin that lets you enjoy both the sculptural beauty of Ferdinando Gagliano’s craftsmanship and a rich, expansive tone — the best of 18th-century Naples in one instrument.