Nicola Gagliano

Nicola Gagliano was the son of Alessandro. His violins, together with those of his brother Gennaro, are amongst the most sought-after instruments of the Gagliano family.

Although he occasionally copied Amati, the majority of his work shows the influence of Stradivari, who remained the strongest force in the output of the Gaglianos from Nicola’s generation onwards. This is particularly evident in the flat archings and upright f-holes of the 1780 violin.

In his later years, Nicola sometimes collaborated with his son, Giuseppe, as can be seen in the violin labelled 1744, which was probably made circa 1770. This instrument also shows clearly the use of beech and paper for the purfling, which was introduced by Gennaro and Nicola, and which was to become a hallmark of the Gagliano family, and indeed of Neapolitan violin making in general.