Violin by Johann Christoph Leidolff

Wien, 1747

 

Johann Christoph Leidolf (1690-1758) learned his trade most likely under his father, Nicholas Leidolff, the founder of this highly significant dynasty of Viennese violin-makers, who, in turn, either learned with Kögl or – perhaps more likely, judging from his work – acquired his knowhow directly in Italy. Although the instruments by Johann Christoph cannot deny their debt to the omnipresent influence of Stainer North of the Alps, his varnish and the scrolls point dicidedly towards his native city. The generous outlines of the body, the arching and the deep ribs give these instruments power and carry, without forfeiting their innate Viennese charm.

 

Label: Johann Christoph Leidolff / Lauten- und Geigenmacher / in Wien 1747
Providence: Auction House Dorotheum, Vienna

 

 

Body length	361 mm
Upper width	168 mm
Middle width	115 mm
Lower width	208 mm
Rib height	34 mm
String length	325 mm