Benedikt Wagner

History

Benedikt Wagner (1720-1796) was born in 1720 and died in 1796 in Ellwangen, Germany. According to John Dilworth, some sources indicate that he worked around 1750 in Dürrwangen. He was a skilled master who served as the luthier for the Prince-Provost of Ellwangen, as noted by Willibald Leo Lütgendorff and Cecie Stainer, who found a label from 1769 identifying him as "Benedict Wagner hochfürstlichen Hof Lauten und Geigenmacher in Ellwangen."

Craft

• Workmanship: Benedikt Wagner produced very precise and praiseworthy work, often on the Stainer model, and is considered by John Dilworth to be probably the best maker of his family. Cecie Stainer described his workmanship as fair.
• Archings and Models: His instruments typically featured arching of medium height, according to John Dilworth. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff noted that his violins usually had high arching and were large, but he also appeared to have known Italian models, after which he made instruments with flat arching and delicate execution. Lütgendorff further distinguished three different models, with one having flat arching and a longer body, similar to those by Buchstädter. Henri Poidras also mentioned his arched violins and large patterns.
• Edges and Purfling: John Dilworth described a narrow edge with finely laid purfling extending to the very end of the corners.
• Scroll: The scroll was very Germanic in style, featuring a short, goose-necked pegbox and a well-turned volute extended with a curving gouge cut up into the eye, as detailed by John Dilworth. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff added that the scroll was often robust but always original.
• Varnish: His varnish was particularly well-textured and transparent golden-brown, according to John Dilworth. Cecie Stainer observed red varnish. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff noted his varnish could be yellow-brown, dark brown, or red. Henri Poidras also mentioned red or yellow-brown varnish.
• Tone: The tone of his instruments, especially the flatter-arched violins, was bright and brilliant, as stated by Willibald Leo Lütgendorff. Henri Poidras described a powerful tone.
• Branding: He branded his instruments below the back button with a reverse stamp (raised letters) reading 'Wagner' and below the endpin on the lower rib with 'Elwang', according to John Dilworth. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff confirmed the use of brand marks, stating that the name 'Wagner' was branded on the back near the neck plate, and the place name 'Ellwang' was branded on the ribs under the tailpiece button.

Further Information

• Labels: A label found in a violin from 1769 read: "Benedict Wagner hochfürstlichen Hof Lauten und Geigenmacher in Ellwangen, anno 1769." Another label from 1772 stated: "Benedict Wagner, Hochfürstlicher / Hof Lauten und Geigenmacher / in Ellwangen. anno 1772".
• Workshop Locations: Benedikt Wagner worked in Ellwangen, Germany, and some sources indicate he also worked in Dürrwangen around 1750.

Summary

Benedikt Wagner (1720-1796) was a highly regarded luthier from Ellwangen, Germany, known for his precise and praiseworthy work, often following the Stainer model. He served as the luthier for the Prince-Provost of Ellwangen. His instruments are characterized by medium to high arching, a narrow edge with fine purfling, and a distinctive Germanic scroll. Wagner's varnish ranged from transparent golden-brown to red, and his violins, particularly those with flatter arching, were noted for their bright and brilliant tone. He utilized both paper labels and brand marks, including 'Wagner' on the back and 'Elwang' on the lower rib.