Joseph Joachim Edlinger

History

Joseph Joachim Edlinger (1693-1748) was the son and pupil of Thomas Edlinger (III), as stated by John Dilworth in The Brompton's Book of Violin & Bow Makers, or Thomas (II.) E. according to Willibald Leo Lütgendorff's Die Geigen- und Lautenmacher vom Mittelalter bis zur Gegenwart. After completing his apprenticeship, he traveled extensively throughout Italy, working primarily in Cremona, Rome, Naples, Bologna, Ferrara, and Venice, as detailed by Cecie Stainer in A Dictionary of Violin Makers and Lütgendorff. He returned to Prague around 1728, where he subsequently worked. On February 2, 1728, he obtained citizenship in Malá Strana (Kleinseite) and achieved high regard, becoming a member of the council of six (Sechsmänneramt) and the St. Nicholas Brotherhood (Nikolaus-Bruderschaft). Joseph Joachim Edlinger was buried in the St. John's Church under the Rock (Johanneskirche unter dem Felsen) and was not married. His heirs were his sisters, Therese and Anna Perlocher. He bequeathed his workshop, including all instruments, wood, and tools, to Josef Michl, the four-year-old son of his servant, with the wish that Josef learn violin making, and also left him 200 Rhenish florins. Lütgendorff questions whether this Josef Michl might be identical to Josef Muschl.

Craft

• Model: His model was flatter and more Italianate than his father's, featuring flat arching and drawing inspiration from Italian prototypes, as noted by John Dilworth and Willibald Leo Lütgendorff.
• Workmanship: Cecie Stainer describes him as a good workman who made excellent lutes. Lütgendorff also states that his work is good.
• Varnish: John Dilworth characterizes his varnish as "poor rather brittle varnish of thin texture." Lütgendorff further observes that the varnish on many of his violins is now completely destroyed, and the instruments have generally suffered significantly.
• Instrument Quality: His violins and lutes are considered superior to those of his father.

Influence

• Mentorship: He was the son and pupil of Thomas Edlinger (III) or Thomas (II.) E.
• Training: He perfected his art by living for many years in Italy, visiting cities such as Cremona, Rome, Naples, Bologna, Ferrara, and Venice.

Legacy

• Reputation: His instruments are highly valued, according to Cecie Stainer.
• Impact: He was instrumental in bringing attention to the Prague school of violin making, as noted by Willibald Leo Lütgendorff.
• Succession: He left his workshop and funds to Josef Michl, the son of his servant, with the explicit wish that he learn violin making.

Further Information

• Label: An example of his label reads "Josephus Joachim Edlinger / me fecit Pragae / Anno 1732," as cited by Bletschacher in John Dilworth's work.
• Burial Site: He was buried in the St. John's Church under the Rock (Johanneskirche unter dem Felsen).
• Workshop Disposition: His workshop and all its contents were bequeathed to Josef Michl.

Summary

Joseph Joachim Edlinger (1693-1748) was a significant Prague violin maker, son and pupil of Thomas Edlinger (III). He extensively traveled and worked in Italy, particularly Cremona, Rome, Naples, Bologna, Ferrara, and Venice, before returning to Prague around 1728 where he gained citizenship and high regard. His craftsmanship was noted for a flatter, more Italianate model with flat arching, and his violins and lutes were considered superior to his father's, despite his varnish often being described as brittle and prone to deterioration. Edlinger's instruments are highly valued, and he played a key role in highlighting the Prague school of violin making. He bequeathed his workshop and funds to Josef Michl, the son of his servant, with the intention that he continue the craft.