Vincenzo Postiglione

This article is taken from The Strad January 2008.

Written by Sean Bishop, Photographs Richard Valencia 

Maker Vincenzo Postiglione
Nationality Italian
Born Naples, 1831
Died Naples, 1916
Instrument Violin
Date 1891

History

Made in 1891, this instrument is a typical example of Postiglione’s work from 1890 to 1910, and it is in excellent condition. Its first, early certificate is from the Amsterdam firm of Max Möller, and the violin seems to have spent most of its life in Holland. It is now played by Matthew Denton, leader of the London-based Carducci Quartet.

Model

As with most Postiglione violins of this period, this violin is a mixture of models. We can see Gagliano-form as well as a dash of Guadagnini, particularly through the C-bouts.

Arching

The arching of this violin and most Postiglione violins in general is quite low, which contributes to the overall large tonal power these instruments possess.

Purfling

The fine purfling goes into a beesting end, elevating the beauty of this violin.

Soundholes

The f-holes are highly characteristic of Postiglione’s style, which incorporates a mixture of influences from Stradivari to G.B. Guadagnini. They are somewhat straight-up in style with rather large bottom stems that show elegant fluting.

Materials

The fine two-piece back is of highly figured maple with a descending curl. No pins can be seen in this instrument although other Postiglione examples sometimes have them. The maker often used internal and external brands, sometimes on the back button. His instruments also often feature a signed dedication and drawings.

Scroll

Probably the weakest element of this violin, the scroll seems very much a Gagliano copy, tightly fisted in style but saved by elegant, deeply fluted volutes that still have a sharp edge.