Martin Leopold (Leopold II) Widhalm

History

Martin Leopold (Leopold II) WIDHALM (1747-1806) was a skilled German master of the 18th century. According to Willibald Leo Lütgendorff, he was active around 1720 and possibly after 1800, though Lütgendorff notes that this is uncertain due to frequently falsified dates on his labels, which would suggest an impossibly long life. John Dilworth, however, states that Martin Leopold Widhalm was born in 1747 and died in 1806 in Nuremberg, Germany. He resided in the Nuremberg suburb of Wöhrd in 1788 and is said to have worked extensively for monasteries. He was highly regarded in his time, and his well-sounding violins remain sought after today.

Craft

• Model: He adopted Jacob Stainer as his model, utilizing a large model for his instruments. For his violas, he retained the older model with a flat back.
• Workmanship: His work was very clean and careful, with elegant arching and well-chosen wood. The scroll, often made of pearwood, was impeccably carved. John Dilworth notes that his work was generally less refined than his father's, featuring higher arching and slightly uneven purfling. The scroll was markedly wide across the eyes.
• Varnish: The varnish was thinly applied, dark reddish-brown in color, and possessed a high luster, according to Lütgendorff. George Hart describes the varnish as excellent, though lacking the delicacy of Stainer's, and mostly pale red. Dilworth mentions that he retained a fine varnish, although some instruments appear to have a thinner, harder recipe.
• Instruments: Besides violins, he also crafted various types of lutes and even harps, which were reportedly very good. He was very diligent, and many of his works are still found today. The Germanisches Museum in Nürnberg possesses a theorbe from 1757 and a violin from 1769. A beautiful, large alto from 1777 is part of the Snoeck collection in Berlin.

Influence

• Mentorship: He was the son, pupil, and successor of Leopold Widhalm.
• Inspiration: He took Jacob Stainer as his primary model for instrument construction.

Legacy

• Continuity: He was the successor to his father, Leopold Widhalm, and continued using his father's label.
• Collections: His instruments are held in notable collections, including a theorbe from 1757 and a violin from 1769 in the Germanisches Museum in Nürnberg, and a large alto from 1777 from the Snoeck collection in Berlin.
• Reputation: His instruments are still sought after today due to their good sound.

Further Information

• Branding: He used various labels and also employed the brand mark 'L. W.' internally, sometimes with or without a double-headed eagle. An example label cited by John Dilworth reads: 'Leopold Widhalm Lauten- und / Geigenmacher in Nürnberg, fecit A. 1789'.
• Residence: In 1788, he lived in the Nuremberg suburb of Wöhrd.

Summary

Martin Leopold (Leopold II) WIDHALM (1747-1806) was a prominent German luthier from Nuremberg, known for his diligent craftsmanship and instruments inspired by Jacob Stainer. As the son and pupil of Leopold Widhalm, he continued the family tradition, producing violins, lutes, harps, and violas. His work is characterized by clean execution, elegant arching, and a distinctive dark reddish-brown or pale red varnish. Despite some conflicting historical dates, his instruments, often branded 'L. W.', remain highly regarded and are found in significant collections.