Antonio Gragnani
Livorno 1728 - 1810
Antonio Gragnani probably studied in Florence, though his style differs considerably from that of late-18th century Florentine makers. He worked in Livorno, whose seaside location may have afforded him different materials from his contemporaries some 50 miles inland. Known for his meticulous craftsmanship, Gragnani's affinity for Stradivari is evident without rendering his work merely imitative, and further separates him from the Stainer-based Florentine school. Many of his violins are on a Stradivari pattern, but he sometimes employed a diminished pattern for more delicate examples. Whalebone purfling is an unusual detail for the time and place, and the heads are quite elongated in a unique design. The quality of the varnish varies considerably. Gragnani branded his initials to his instruments in numerous places, including the button, the end button, and under the fingerboard, though if this practice was intended to forestall forgery of his work it was not successful.
