Naples School
Armando Altavilla
Naples, b. 1876
Armando Altavilla (1876-after 1966) was a luthier from Naples, Italy, known for his fine workmanship in the Gagliano style. He was a student of F. Verzella and utilized good materials, applying a distinctive golden-orange varnish that often featured a crackled texture.
Auction price history
Highest auction price
| Type | Details | Sold | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violin | Labelled Fabrica di Violini, ed altri strumenti armonici dei Fratelli, Raffaele ed An-, Gagliano Napoli ... | October 2024 | £20,064 |
| Violin | Labelled Armando Altavilla, fecit Neapoli anno 1936 copia G. Gagliano | October 2024 | £12,000 |
| Violin | 35.0 cm Naples | October 2011 | £9,000 |
| Violin | 35.9 cm Naples, 1954 [Probably by] | May 2011 | £4,006 |
| Violin | 35.4 cm Naples , 1945 | October 2010 | £15,000 |
| Violin | 35.6 cm Naples, 1930 c. | March 2010 | £12,500 |
| Violin | 35.5 cm Naples, 1938 | October 2009 | £10,000 |
| Violin | 35.3 cm Naples, 1915 c. [Ascribed to "Vincenzo Sannino"] | May 2009 | £7,764 |
| Violin | 35.7 cm Naples, 1930 c. | March 2009 | £12,285 |
| Violin | 35.7 cm Naples, 1930 c. | March 2007 | £7,763 |
| Violin | 35.5 cm Naples, 1938 | February 2006 | £10,800 |
| Violin | Naples, 1952 | November 2005 | £7,200 |
| Violin | Napoli, 1900 | June 2005 | £3,220 |
| Violin | Neapel, 1910 | May 2005 | £16,952 |
| Viola | Neaples 1950 | November 2004 | £7,067 |
| Violin | Neaples 1951 | November 2004 | £8,314 |
| Violin | 1930 | March 1999 | £5,520 |
| Violin | 1930 | November 1998 | £2,760 |
| Violin | 1950 c. | June 1997 | £8,050 |
| Violin | 1923 | May 1996 | £6,013 |
| Violin | 1954 | June 1995 | £2,415 |
| Violin | 1900 | December 1994 | £3,686 |
| Violin | 1925 | June 1994 | £5,750 |
| Violin | 19-- | November 1986 | £2,640 |
| Violin | 1915 | February 1982 | £4,162 |
Maker Overview
Life
Armando Altavilla (1876-after 1966) was born in 1876 and died after 1966 in Naples, Italy. According to The Brompton's Book of Violin & Bow Makers by John Dilworth, he was a student of F. Verzella, who himself was a pupil of Antonio Gagliano (II).
Characteristics
- Workmanship
- Armando Altavilla produced fine workmanship, described as "very persuasive work".
- Style
- His instruments were crafted in the Gagliano style.
- Materials
- He utilized good materials in his construction.
- Varnish
- He applied a fine golden-orange varnish, which frequently exhibited a crackled texture.
Influence and legacy
- Mentorship: Armando Altavilla was a student of F. Verzella.
- Lineage: His teacher, F. Verzella, was a pupil of Antonio Gagliano (II).
Biographies
The overview above is drawn from the following published accounts. Read them in the original:
John Dilworth+
ALTAVILLA, Armando Born 1876, d. after 1966 Naples Italy. Student of F. Verzella, himself a pupil of Antonio Gagliano (II). Fine workmanship in the Gagliano style. Very persuasive work. Good materials. Fine golden-orange varnish, frequently with a crackled texture.
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Working in Naples at the same time
A. Borani worked 1873
Alfredo Contino b. 1890
And Figlio Avellano worked 1870–1896
Diego Loveri 1888–1948
Gennaro De Luccia b. 1911
Gerlando Terrana 1909–1978
Giovanni Capalbo 1865–1945
Giovanni Pistucci 1864–1955