Johann Scheverle

History

Johann SCHEVERLE (circa 1731-1769) appears to have immigrated to Prague from Augsburg, similar to many older Prague violin makers. He became an Old Town citizen on June 4, 1731. He resided at Karlová ul. "beim weissen Rösslein" No. 168 in 1733, then at "beim goldenen Hecht" No. 180 from 1741 to 1743, and "u Klusv?" in 1752. With his wife Antonie Marie A., he had six children, whose godparents included Joh. G. Hellmer, Thomas Edlinger, and Johanna Hellmer. He was a highly regarded virtuoso lutenist of his time and composed several pieces for his instrument, which were preserved for a long time in the Strahov Abbey. Evidence that he was still alive in 1769 is provided by a violoncello in the choir of the Abbey Church in Braunau (Bohemia) with an accompanying label. According to John Dilworth, he worked in Prague, Czech Republic, from approximately 1731 to 1769, having been born in Augsburg, Germany.

Craft

• Instruments: He made few violins, and one cello is cited by Vannes.
• Model: His instruments followed a Klotz/Amati model with a medium arch.
• Features: They featured rather large Stradivarian soundholes and a nicely concentric scroll with a large throat.
• Varnish: His work is characterized by a good red-brown varnish.
• Labels: Labels found include "Joannes Scheverle fecit / Pragae, An. 17.." and "Johannes Scheverle fa- / ciebat Pragae 1769."

Influence

• Training: He was likely a fellow student of Joh. Georg Hellmer and, according to John Dilworth, studied instrument making with J. Hellmer in Prague.
• Collaboration: He worked with T. Edlingera.
• Style Influence: His work reminds one of Edlinger.

Further Information

• Alternative Spellings: His name was also written as Schewerle, Schewrtle, Schäferle, Schefferle, and Schwertle.
• Workshop Locations: He resided at Karlová ul. "beim weissen Rösslein" No. 168 in 1733, at "beim goldenen Hecht" No. 180 from 1741 to 1743, and "u Klusv?" in 1752.

Summary

Johann SCHEVERLE was a luthier and virtuoso lutenist born in Augsburg, Germany, who worked in Prague, Czech Republic, from approximately 1731 to 1769. He became a Prague citizen in 1731 and was associated with makers like Joh. Georg Hellmer and T. Edlinger, whose style influenced his work. His instruments, including violins and a cello, are noted for their Klotz/Amati model, Stradivarian soundholes, and red-brown varnish.