Jean Gabriel Koliker

History

Jean Gabriel Koliker (circa. 1783-1820) worked in Paris, France. He was initially located in the rue des Fossés-Saint-Germain-des-Prés until 1799, and from 1800, he worked at no. 24 rue Croix des Petits Champs. His business was succeeded by François Gand, also referred to as Ch. F. Gand, in 1820, according to John Dilworth and Cecie Stainer. Koliker was primarily known as a repairer and dealer, and no authentic works from his own hand are known. He was considered an influential figure in post-revolutionary Parisian lutherie. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff notes that Koliker had connections to the collector Tarisio. Hart, without further explanation, attributes him to the German school, a possibility given his name. Koliker's advertisement read: "Koliker, Luthier / rue Croix des Petits Champs no 24 / entre les rues Coquillière et du / Bouloy, à Paris. Fait et racommode toutes sortes d’instruments de Musique. Vend et loue Forte-Pianos, Harpes, Guitares et Violons, et tient un / assortiment de cordes de Naples de la première / qualité pour tous les instruments."

Craft

• Repair Expertise: Jean Gabriel Koliker was an extraordinarily skilled repairer, capable of executing the most difficult repairs with incredible care, as noted by Willibald Leo Lütgendorff.
• Specific Skills: His expertise included the grafting of scrolls (Anschäften der Schnecken), adjusting bridges (Zurichten des Stegs), and setting soundposts (Stellen der Stimme).
• New Instrument Production: It is not known that he attempted new construction, and no authentic works from his own hand are known, making it doubtful if he made any new instruments.

Influence

• Historical Context: Jean Gabriel Koliker was an influential figure in post-revolutionary Parisian lutherie.
• Succession: His business was succeeded by François Gand, or Ch. F. Gand, in 1820.
• Potential Origins: Hart, without further specification, attributes Koliker to the German school, a possibility given his name.

Legacy

• Business Continuity: His business was acquired by Ch. F. Gand in 1820, ensuring the continuation of a prominent Parisian lutherie establishment.
• Notable Connections: He maintained relationships with significant figures such as the collector Tarisio.

Further Information

• Workshop Locations: Koliker worked in Paris, initially in the rue des Fossés-Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and from 1800, at no. 24 rue Croix des Petits Champs.
• Advertised Services: His advertisement detailed his services as a luthier, stating he "Fait et racommode toutes sortes d’instruments de Musique. Vend et loue Forte-Pianos, Harpes, Guitares et Violons, et tient un assortiment de cordes de Naples de la première qualité pour tous les instruments."

Summary

Jean Gabriel Koliker (circa 1783-1820) was a prominent and influential figure in post-revolutionary Parisian lutherie, primarily known as a highly skilled repairer and dealer rather than a maker of new instruments. Operating from various locations in Paris, including rue Croix des Petits Champs, he was celebrated for his meticulous repair work, encompassing scroll grafting, bridge adjustments, and soundpost setting. Koliker maintained connections with notable figures like the collector Tarisio, and his business was eventually succeeded by François Gand in 1820, ensuring the continuity of a significant Parisian lutherie establishment.