A fine violin by Giuseppe Gagliano, Naples, Italy 1783. Compact size, with plenty of power, easy to play with a warm and colorful tone that has a robust blooming character. Length of back 351mm, with Reuning and Son certificate. 
Giuseppe Gagliano, 2nd generation of Neapolitan violin making:
"The Gagliano family’s artisanal tradition took root in the work of Nicolò Gagliano’s three sons and matured into the Neapolitan school which gave Naples its status as the second most important historic centre of Italian violin making after Cremona. Ferdinando, Antonio and Giuseppe Gagliano were trained in one of the world’s finest workshops. Although detailed information about the collaborations between the two generations is not available, Ferdinando does not appear to have learned his craft from his father, but rather from his uncle Gennaro, whose style and approach to work is clearly evident in Ferdinando’s instruments – unlike Giuseppe, who was trained by his father Nicolò.
Even though there was a great deal of continuity within the family style, this generation nevertheless created its own accents and made them a permanent part of Neapolitan tradition. One example is the typically curved shape of a peg box with a delicate scroll which harkens back to Giuseppe Gagliano and was cited in Naples well into the 20th century.