Naples, the magical luthier
This time I would like to discover, with you all, the ancient and romantic art of one of the few remaining masters luthier in Naples, Gaetano Pucino. A luthier is an artisan who makes or repairs stringed instruments such as cellos, violins, guitars, mandolins, dulcimers and banjos. The word luthier comes from the French word luth, which means lute, and the art of making and repairing instruments is a centuries-old tradition. There are two categories when it comes to making or repairing stringed instruments; instruments that are bowed and instruments that are plucked. Gaetano, who works only at bowed instruments, has his own laboratory few feet away from piazza San Domenico Maggiore in the very heart of the ancient Naples. His loyal companion and long time friend is Truciolo, a wonderful Persian cat, pretty big with a strong curiosity for whatever happens in the apartment which is her world since it was 5 days old only. Truciolo is very social and when weather is mild she stays outside the large window overlooking the street and controlling the passers-by who often can’t resist to caress such a beauty of a cat. When Truciolo is inside is busy with patrolling the rooms and the instruments still unfinished or take a seat near Gaetano, on the table, looking at him working and enjoying the time. A great couple, Gaetano and Truciolo, not to be missed if you walk in that area of historical Naples
