Gaetano Pugnani

Pugnani was one of the outstanding Italian violinist-composers of the mid-eighteenth century. He began his orchestral career at 10, when he was appointed as a second violinist at the Teatro Regio, Turin. He studied composition in Rome and gained an international reputation as a virtuoso.

In 1767, Pugnani came to London, where his first opera, 'Nanetta e Lubino', was performed to great acclaim. On returning to Turin in 1770 he was appointed first violinist of the King's music. He continued to compose and taught a number of young musicians, including Viotti (1755–1824).

The portrait depicts Pugnani wearing the official gala dress of a court musician serving the House of Savoy. He played an important part in the development of the modern bow, and prefered thicker, more resonant strings. His hand rests on the first violin part of his Trio Sonata Op.1 no.3 (first published in Paris in 1754). This painting was previously attributed to Andrea Soldi.