Violin by Johann Christoph Leidolff

Wien, 1748

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.