Johann Gottlob (I) Ficker

History

Johann Gottlob (I) Ficker (1744-1832) was born in 1744 and died in 1832. He was the son and pupil of Johann Caspar Ficker, as noted in The Brompton's Book of Violin & Bow Makers by John Dilworth. Ficker was admitted to the violin makers' guild in 1764. According to Willibald Leo Lütgendorff's Die Geigen- und Lautenmacher vom Mittelalter bis zur Gegenwart, he was considered one of the best violin makers in Vogtland. His instruments were already valued during his lifetime, and due to his diligence and long life of 88 years, 4 months, and 5 days, his violins are still frequently encountered.

Craft

• Model: His work is described as superior and in the usual Ficker style, often based on the Stainer model, according to John Dilworth.
• Scroll and Pegbox: John Dilworth notes his instruments feature a very well-cut scroll with a concentric volute, characterized by an extended last turn behind the eye, and a swan-neck pegbox.
• Varnish: The varnish used was typically thin and brittle, appearing yellow or sometimes a darker red-brown.
• Materials and Execution: Willibald Leo Lütgendorff highlights his use of good wood, clean execution, and noble tone.
• Internal Brand: He branded his instruments internally with "*I * G * F *".
• Labels: His manuscript labels sometimes mischievously suggested a Cremonese origin, despite his instruments being stylistically distant from Cremonese work. Examples include "Johann Gottlob Ficker Violino / correspontent Romani Cremona 1793" and "Johann Gottlob Ficker probe violino / cor-Respont Romani Cremona 1786", as cited by Hamma. Cecie Stainer also notes in A Dictionary of Violin Makers that he felt it necessary to use "Cremona" labels.

Influence

• Mentorship: Johann Gottlob (I) Ficker was the son and pupil of Johann Caspar Ficker.

Legacy

• Reputation: His violins were considered excellent by Cecie Stainer and stated as being valued during his lifetime, by Willibald Leo Lütgendorff.
• Misconception: Despite the stylistic differences, many people genuinely believed him to be a Cremonese master due to his labels, a point acknowledged even by Niederheitmann, who conceded that the violins bore little resemblance to the Cremonese school.
• Prevalence: Due to his long and diligent career, his violins are still frequently found.

Further Information

• Label Variations: The wording on his labels was highly variable, often employing the same nonsensical Latin typical of many of his contemporaries and predecessors, as detailed by Willibald Leo Lütgendorff.

Summary

Johann Gottlob (I) Ficker (1744-1832) was a highly regarded German violin maker from Markneukirchen, the son and pupil of Johann Caspar Ficker. Admitted to the guild in 1764, he was known for his superior craftsmanship, often working on the Stainer model, characterized by well-cut scrolls and a distinctive swan-neck pegbox. His instruments featured good wood, clean execution, and a noble tone, though his varnish was typically thin and brittle. Ficker frequently used internal branding and, like others in his family, sometimes employed labels suggesting a Cremonese origin, despite his work being stylistically distinct. His diligence and long life ensured that his instruments remain relatively common.