Johann Christoph Leidolff

History

Johann Christoph Leidolff (1690-1758) was the son of Nicolaus Leidolff. He was born in 1690 and died in 1758 in Vienna, Austria. He was appointed luthier to the Viennese court. He resided in the "Wübmer Viertl" and took his civic oath on September 2, 1715. He appeared in tax lists from 1749 to 1758. After his death, his widow continued the business until her own death in 1770.

Craft

• Models: He produced instruments based on Stainer or Amati models, which were sometimes described as fairly crude.
• Workmanship: His instruments were neatly finished and made with fine materials. His violins are noted for their beautiful form, good wood, and tone.
• Varnish: Early works featured a good dark brown varnish. Later, he introduced a red tint laid over a dark stained ground.
• Materials: He preferred to make the rib linings from hard wood.
• Notable Instruments: An Altquinton in gamba form from 1719 is held in the royal collection in Berlin (No. 873). This instrument is notable for its purpurblau (purple-blue) colored back, ribs, and pegbox, which also features a Moor's head. Violins by him are also found in Stift St. Florian (Upper Austria, undated) and the Schottenstift in Vienna (from 1748).

Influence

• Training: Johann Christoph Leidolff was the son of Nikolaus L. and, according to his work, also his pupil.

Legacy

• Continuity: After his death, his widow continued the business until 1770.
• Collections: Works by Johann Christoph Leidolff are found in many collections.

Further Information

• Labels: His labels include "Johann Christoph Leidolff / Lauten und Geigenmacher" and "Joannes Christophorus Leidolff / fecit Viennae. 1748".
• Workshop: He maintained a large workshop with several assistants, which sometimes led to slightly inconsistent production.
• Residence: He lived in the "Wübmer Viertl".

Summary

Johann Christoph Leidolff (1690-1758) was a prominent Viennese luthier, son and pupil of Nikolaus L., who served the Viennese court. He was known for producing instruments, including violins and an Altquinton, often based on Stainer or Amati models, characterized by neat finishes, fine materials, and distinctive varnishes. His workshop was substantial, and his instruments are preserved in notable collections.