Lorenzo Ventapane Napoli, 1808
Lorenzo Ventapane (1780-1843) was the most skilled luthier of his Naples violin making family. He likely studied with Giovanni or Nicolo Gagliano before establishing his own workshop in 1800. His instruments exemplify the expressive Italian style of the time. He patterned his instruments after a Gagliano model and imbued them with individual touches. His violins are often asymmetrical and have subtle imperfections, which Ventapane chose to leave in place rather than level out. He worked quickly, presumably to meet a robust demand for violins.
This violin has Ventapane’s distinctive scroll, with a large central eye. It also has his typical arching, which is full to the edges, broad corners, rich varnish, and a unique back plate of flamed maple with a knot on the lower treble side.
Lorenzo Ventapane (1780-1843) was the most skilled luthier of his Naples violin making family. He likely studied with Giovanni or Nicolo Gagliano before establishing his own workshop in 1800. His instruments exemplify the expressive Italian style of the time. He patterned his instruments after a Gagliano model and imbued them with individual touches. His violins are often asymmetrical and have subtle imperfections, which Ventapane chose to leave in place rather than level out. He worked quickly, presumably to meet a robust demand for violins.
This violin has Ventapane’s distinctive scroll, with a large central eye. It also has his typical arching, which is full to the edges, broad corners, rich varnish, and a unique back plate of flamed maple with a knot on the lower treble side.