Naples School
Pasquale Ventapane
Naples, 1830–1890
Pasquale Ventapane was a Neapolitan violin and 'cello maker, though sources provide conflicting dates for his life, ranging from 1740-1801 (Karel Jalovec) to 1830-1890 (John Dilworth). He was either the son or brother of Lorenzo Ventapane or Vincenzo V. and established his workshop at 23 via Speranzella, Naples. He was influenced by the Gagliano School and, was a pupil of Antonio Gagliano, often working on the model of Giuseppe Gagliano. His instruments are noted for their excellent tone qualities, with 'cellos being particularly exquisite. Descriptions of his workmanship and varnish color vary among historians, with some noting coarse work and others praising tastefully carved scrolls.
Auction price history
Highest auction price
| Type | Details | Sold | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violin | 35.4 cm Naples, 1840 c. [Probably by] | March 2011 | £12,000 |
| Violin | 35.6 cm Naples, 1830 c. [Probably by] | March 2009 | £6,600 |
| Violin | 35.6 cm Naples,1830 c. | March 2008 | £12,350 |
Maker Overview
Life
Pasquale Ventapane. Sources contain conflicting information regarding the life dates of Pasquale Ventapane; Karel Jalovec states he worked from 1740 to 1801, while John Dilworth indicates he was born in 1830 and died in 1890 in Naples, Italy., he was the son or possibly the brother of Lorenzo Ventapane. He established himself independently at 23 via Speranzella, Naples. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff suggests he might be the father or brother of Vincenzo V., to whom his work is similar.
Characteristics
- Workmanship
- John Dilworth describes his work as fairly coarse, generally inferior to that of Lorenzo Ventapane, with extended soundholes sometimes located very close to the edges and lower wings unfluted. He also notes flat narrow edges to the plates and crudely formed scrolls. In contrast, Karel Jalovec states that his instruments feature tastefully carved scrolls that are somewhat larger, and graceful sound-holes located in a good position.
- Varnish
- Henri Poidras mentions an orange yellow varnish. Karel Jalovec notes the use of a good red varnish. John Dilworth describes the varnish as similar to Lorenzo's in texture, appearing in hard pale brown or more often yellow shades.
- Scrolls
- Henri Poidras observes that the eye of the scroll protrudes greatly. John Dilworth specifically notes that the 'cellos, in particular, have very prominent eyes.
- Tone Quality
- Henri Poidras highlights excellent tone qualities. Karel Jalovec also states that the sound is excellent, and his 'cellos are exquisite.
- Models
- Karel Jalovec states that Pasquale Ventapane worked on the model of Giuseppe Gagliano, though he used a larger pattern which helps distinguish his instruments from Gagliano's.
- Specialization
- Willibald Leo Lütgendorff suggests that he seems to have primarily made 'cellos.
- Ventapane Pasquale / Fabricante di violini e violoncelli / via Speranzella No. 23 NapoliJohn Dilworth
Influence and legacy
- School: Henri Poidras notes that the influence of the Gagliano School is still noticeable in his work.
- Teacher:, as cited by John Dilworth, Pasquale Ventapane was a pupil of Antonio Gagliano.
- Model: Karel Jalovec states that he worked on the model of Giuseppe Gagliano.
Biographies
The overview above is drawn from the following published accounts. Read them in the original:
John Dilworth+
VENTAPANE, Pasquale Born 1830, died 1890 Naples Italy. Son or possibly brother of Lorenzo Ventapane, above. According to his labels he was a pupil of Antonio Gagliano. Established independently at 23 via Speranzella, Naples. Fairly coarse work, generally inferior to those of Lorenzo, with extended soundholes sometimes located very close to the edges and lower wings unfluted. Flat narrow edges to the plates. Crudely formed scrolls; the cellos in particular have very prominent eyes. Varnish similar to Lorenzo in texture. Hard pale brown or more often yellow shades. Ventapane Pasquale / Fabricante di violini e violoncelli / via Speranzella No. 23 Napoli
Willibald Leo Lütgendorff+
Vielleicht der Vater oder Bruder Vincenzo V.’s, dem er in der Arbeit nahekommt. Er scheint vorzugsweise Violoncelli gemacht zu haben.
Henri Poidras+
In all probability the son of Pasquale, whose work is analogous. The influence of the Gagliano School is still noticeable. Orange yellow varnish. The eye of the scroll protrudes greatly. Excellent tone qualities. Label: Ventapane Pasquale. Fabricante di violini e violoncelli, via Speranzella N° 23 Napoli.
Karel Jalovec+
Naples. 1740 — 1801. Worked on the model of Giuseppe Gagliano and some instruments from his hand have even been marked with Gagliano’s label. He used, however, a larger pattern which helps to distinguish his instruments from those of Gagliano. The tastefully carved scrolls are somewhat larger; graceful sound-holes are located in a good position. He used a good red varnish. Also the sound is excellent; exquisite are his ‘cellos. Price 24.000 Kc.
Sell your instrument with Amati
Get started by uploading photos of your instrument for our experts to review.
Sell your instrument with Amati
Get started by uploading photos of your instrument for our experts to review.
Working in Naples at the same time
A. Borani worked 1873
And Figlio Avellano worked 1870–1896
Angelo Botelli worked 1850–1860
Gennaro (II) Fabricatore 1800–1853
Giovanni (II) Gagliano 1800–1867
Giovanni Capalbo 1865–1945
Giovanni Leoni worked 1829–1870