Johann (II) Padewet

History

Johann (II) Padewet (born 1850 or 1851, died 1901 or 1902) was the son and pupil of Johann Padewet (I).

Sources contain conflicting information regarding his birth year, stating either 1850 or 1851, and his death year, stating either 1901 or 1902. He also apprenticed with A. Riechers in Hanover and Berlin.

He succeeded to his father's business and appointment to the court, with sources indicating this occurred in 1872, 1873, or after 1874. Johann (II) Padewet was a prolific maker, producing forty to fifty instruments annually with the assistance of two workmen.

He was also theoretically well-schooled, successfully striving to observe mathematical and acoustical laws in violin making. He was highly regarded as a repairer and restorer, with a great number of old instruments sent to him from all parts of the world.

Craft

• Models: Johann (II) Padewet made instruments on Cremonese models, particularly the Stradivari pattern.
• Varnish: He used a fine golden-red oil varnish, which he applied without prior staining of the wood, and notably, he kept the necks free from stain. For ordinary or poorer quality instruments, he also used spirit varnish.
• Instrument Types: He made violins, violas, violoncellos, and also zithers.
• Workmanship: His work was described as neat.

Influence

• Mentorship: He was the son and pupil of Johann Padewet (I).
• Apprenticeship: He completed his training with A. Riechers (also referred to as Aug. Riechers) in Hanover and Berlin.

Legacy

• Court Appointment: Like his father, he held the title of court instrument maker (Hofinstrumentenmacher).
• Awards: He received numerous awards, including prizes at Karlsruhe, Mannheim, and Strasbourg. Specific awards include a gold medal and diploma at Carlsruhe in 1877, a silver medal and diploma at Mannheim in 1880, and a gold medal and diploma of honour at Strassburg in 1895.

Further Information

• Workshop Location: His workshop was located at 132, Kaiserstrasse, Carlsruhe.
• Label: His instruments bear the inscription "Johann Padewet fecit / Karlsruhe anno 18.." and sometimes the initials "JP".

Summary

Johann (II) Padewet (born 1850 or 1851, died 1901 or 1902) was a German luthier, the son and pupil of Johann Padewet (I), who also apprenticed with A. Riechers in Hanover and Berlin. He succeeded his father's business and court appointment, becoming a prolific maker of violins, violas, violoncellos, and zithers, primarily on Stradivari models.

Known for his neat work and use of a fine golden-red oil varnish, he also applied theoretical knowledge of mathematical and acoustical laws to his craft. He was highly regarded as a repairer and restorer and received numerous awards at exhibitions in Karlsruhe, Mannheim, and Strasbourg.