Karel Boromejsky Dvorak

History

Karel Boromejsky Dvorak (1856-1909) was born in 1856 and died in 1909 in Prague, Czech Republic. He was the son and pupil of Jan Baptista Dvorak, undergoing his apprenticeship with his father from 1872 to 1876. To further his education, he traveled to Vienna, working with Thorn. Zach and Dav. Bittner, then to Strasbourg with Sütterlin, and subsequently to Paris, where he worked for Hip. Chrétien-Silvestre and later Gand & Bernardel. After his extensive training, he returned to his father's home, where he had to substitute for his father during a prolonged illness, before establishing his own workshop in Prague.

Craft

• Workmanship: He was an excellent craftsman, producing good violins.
• Models: He was a copyist of Stradivari and occasionally Guarneri.
• Materials & Finish: He utilized very fine materials in a classical manner, achieving a superb finish and harmonious proportions that followed classical regulations.
• Varnish: His instruments featured a fine textured deep red-brown varnish.
• Labeling: He signed internally on the back, close to the upper block. His printed label read: "Carolus Bor:Dvorák / fecit Prague Anno 18.."

Influence

• Training: He was the pupil of his father, Jan Baptista Dvorak, from 1872 to 1876.
• Mentorship: He received further training from Thorn. Zach and Dav. Bittner in Vienna, Sütterlin in Strasbourg, and Hip. Chrétien-Silvestre and Gand & Bernardel in Paris.

Legacy

• Recognition: He received many medals and awards.
• Expertise: He was a leading expert and connoisseur in his own country.
• Collecting: He was an eager collector of old instruments, which he successfully discovered during his extensive travels.

Further Information

• Workshop Location: He settled and opened his own workshop in Prague.
• Style: His work reminds one of the modern French school.

Summary

Karel Boromejsky Dvorak (1856-1909) was a Czech violin maker, son and pupil of Jan Baptista Dvorak. He undertook extensive training in Vienna, Strasbourg, and Paris with notable makers such as Silvestre and Gand & Bernardel before establishing his own workshop in Prague. Known for his excellent craftsmanship, he copied Stradivari and Guarneri models, employing fine materials, superb finish, and a distinctive deep red-brown varnish. He was also a respected connoisseur, a collector of old instruments, and received numerous awards.