Naples School
Gennaro Vinaccia
Naples, worked 1755–1778
Gennaro Vinaccia, active from 1755 to 1778 in Naples, was a prominent member of the Vinaccia family, known for his fine violins, cellos, and mandolins. Working from his shop in rua Catalana under the sign 'Cremona', he crafted instruments in the style of the Gagliani, utilizing models from Stradivari and Nicolo Gagliano, and featuring a dark golden-yellow or brown varnish. His mandolins are particularly common and are preserved in collections such as the Museum Kraus in Florence.
Auction price history
Highest auction price
8 results
| Type | Details | Auction house | Sold | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violin | Labelled Petrus Guarnerius filius Andero (sic.) fecit Mantua anno 1716 Lot 222 | Ingles & H. | March 2025 | £48,000est. £ 45,000-60,000 |
| Violin | 35.2 cm Naples, 1780 c. Ascribed to | — | November 2011 | £45,109 |
| Violin | 35.3 cm Naples, 1760 c. Probably by | — | February 2006 | £20,400 |
| Violin | 1770 | — | November 2001 | £11,500 |
| Violin | 1759 | — | November 1999 | £17,034 |
| Violin | 1760 | — | March 1998 | £6,900 |
| Violin | 1770 | — | November 1988 | £8,250 |
| Violin | 1750-75 | — | June 1983 | £4,286 |
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Maker Overview
Life
Gennaro Vinaccia (1755-1778) was a senior member of the Vinaccia family of mandolin and violin makers, active in Naples from 1755 to 1778.He established his workshop in Naples in rua Catalana at the sign 'Cremona'. Gennaro Vinaccia was the son of Antonio Vinaccia and the father of Antonio, Giovanni, and Vincenzo. His labels include "Januarius Vinaccia fecit Napoli / Sub Signo Cremonae anno Domini 1757" and "Januarius Vinaccia fecit neapoli sub / signo Cremonae in rua Catalana Anno / Domini 1778".
Characteristics
- Instruments
- Gennaro Vinaccia produced fine violins, cellos, and mandolins.
- Models
- His instruments were crafted on the models of Stradivari and Nicolo Gagliano, working in the style of the Gagliani.
- Varnish
- He utilized a dark golden-yellow or brown varnish of good texture.
- Materials
- Instruments were made of fine wood.
- Sound-holes
- The sound-holes were tastefully finished and copied from Nicolo Gagliano.
- Tone
- His instruments are noted for their good tone, particularly his violins and mandolins.
- Model Characteristics
- He employed a beautiful model of medium size.
- Self-Perception
- His choice to work "sub signo Cremonae" indicates his desire to be recognized as a violin maker.
- Januarius Vinaccia fecit Napoli
Sub Signo Cremonae anno Domini 1757John Dilworth - Januarius Vinaccia fecit neapoli sub
signo Cremonae in rua Catalana Anno
Domini 1778John Dilworth
Influence and legacy
- Family Tradition: Gennaro Vinaccia was the son of Antonio Vinaccia.
- Stylistic Influence: He worked in the style of the Gagliani and based his instruments on the models of Stradivari and Nicolo Gagliano.
- Specific Details: His sound-holes were copied from Nicolo Gagliano.
- Collections: Mandolins by Gennaro Vinaccia are frequently encountered and can be found in various collections, including the Museum Kraus in Florence.
- Valuation: His violins were valued at 500-1000 M. and his instruments were priced at 40,000 Kc.
Biographies
The overview above is drawn from the following published accounts. Read them in the original:
John Dilworth+
Gennaro Worked 1755-1778. Senior member of this family of mandolin and violin makers. Established in Naples in rua Catalana at the sign ‘Cremona’. Father of Antonio, Giovanni, and Vincenzo. Fine violins and cellos in the Gagliano style with dark golden-yellow or brown varnish of good texture. Januarius Vinaccia fecit Napoli / Sub Signo Cremonae anno Domini 1757 Januarius Vinaccia fecit neapoli sub / signo Cremonae in rua Catalana Anno / Domini 1778
Willibald Leo Lütgendorff+
Sohn von Antonio I. V. Von den Mitgliedern der Familie Vinaccia ist er es, der neben schönen Mandolinen, die am häufigsten vorkommen, auch zahlreiche und gute Geigen gemacht hat. Er arbeitete in der Art der Gagliani, hatte ein schönes Modell von mittlerer Grösse und dunkelgelben oder braunen Lack. Dass er sich als Geigenmacher betrachtet wissen wollte, geht schon daraus hervor, dass er »sub signo Cremonae« arbeitete. Mandolinen von ihm sind in verschiedenen Sammlungen zu finden, so auch im Museum Kraus in Florenz. Seine Geigen werden jetzt durchnittlich auf 500—1000 M. bewerthet. Er wohnte, wie sein Bruder, Strada Rua Catalana, wo auch der Vater gewohnt hat.
Karel Jalovec+
Naples. 1755 — 1778. Son of Antonio Vinaccia. Fine work on the models of Stradivari and N. Gagliano. The instruments are made of fine wood, the tastefully finished sound-holes are copied from Nic. Gagliano. In regard to the tone his instruments are good, particularly his violins and mandolins. Price 40.000 Kc.
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