Leopold (I) Widhalm

History

Leopold (I) Widhalm (1722-1776) is generally recognized as the best German maker following Stainer. He was born in 1722 and died in 1776 in Nuremberg, Germany, where he was active as a maker around 1750-1780. He was succeeded by his son, Martin Leopold Widlhalm, who continued the workshop and used the same label.

Craft

• Model Characteristics: His instruments feature a very distinctive and graceful model with a medium high arch and edges that are deeply fluted.
• Purfling: He used broad, beautifully inlaid purfling, and some instruments are noted to have double purfling.
• Soundholes: The soundholes are based on the Stainer pattern, described as refined and neat without any exaggeration.
• Scroll: The scroll is very well worked, representing a synthesis of Amati and Stainer patterns; some instruments also feature carved pearwood heads.
• Edgework: Characteristic edgework includes the underside being strongly chamfered with a knife cut.
• Interior Construction: The interior blocks and linings are made of pine, and the 'c' bouts are morticed.
• Varnish: His varnish is particularly good, ranging from light golden-brown in early work to a dark orange-brown in his mature period, always possessing a rich, soft translucency and frequently a fine crackled texture. Other descriptions include a transparent red colour, yellow varnish verging on red, brilliant red, or dark brown-red.
• Materials: He utilized excellent materials, with wood that was carefully chosen, though Cecie Stainer notes it was sometimes worked too thin.
• Tone: Henri Poidras notes that his own large model has a round and powerful tone.
• Instruments Produced: He made violins, small violas, cellos, double basses, and harps.

Influence

• Stylistic Influence: Widhalm's work shows a clear influence from Jacob Stainer, with John Dilworth recognizing him as the best German maker following Stainer, and Cecie Stainer and Henri Poidras noting his very skilful imitations or being the best copyist of Stainer.
• Design Synthesis: His scroll design is described as a synthesis of Amati and Stainer patterns.

Legacy

• Family Continuity: Leopold (I) Widhalm was succeeded by his son, Martin Leopold Widlhalm, who continued the workshop and used the same label.

Further Information

• Workshop Location: He worked in Nuremberg, Germany.
• Branding: Instruments are branded internally with or without a small double-headed eagle, close to the label, and often bear the initials 'L.W.'.
• Labels: Examples of his labels include "Leopoldus Widhalm / Norimbergae, A.1768", "Leopoldus Widhalm / Norimbergae, 1774", and "Leopold Widhalm, Lauten- / und Geigenmacher in Nürnberg, fecit A. 1768". A label in a large alto reads: "Leopold Widhalm, Lauten und Geigenmacher in Nürnberg, fecit 1777."

Summary

Leopold (I) Widhalm (1722-1776) was a highly regarded German luthier, active in Nuremberg from approximately 1750 to 1780, and is widely recognized as the foremost German maker following Jacob Stainer. His instruments, including violins, violas, cellos, double basses, and harps, are celebrated for their distinctive and graceful model, featuring a medium high arch, deeply fluted edges, and broad, beautifully inlaid purfling. Widhalm"s craftsmanship is further distinguished by Stainer-pattern soundholes, a scroll synthesizing Amati and Stainer designs, and particularly fine varnish ranging from golden-brown to dark orange-brown with a rich, translucent quality. He utilized excellent, carefully chosen materials. His workshop legacy was continued by his son, Martin Leopold Widlhalm, who used the same labels, often branded internally with "L.W." and sometimes a double-headed eagle.