Johann Nikolaus Artmann

History

Johann Nikolaus Artmann (1774-c.1846) was born in Wechmar, Germany, in 1774 and died around 1846. As the eldest son of Georg Valentin Artmann, a joiner and instrument maker, he initially received comprehensive training in both the joiner"s trade and instrument making from his father. He later became an assistant and pupil of F. A. Ernst in Gotha, where he further refined his violin-making skills. Artmann returned to Wechmar in 1799, and following his father"s death, he committed himself exclusively to violin making. In 1812, he married Barbara Judithe Schüller. Despite earning high esteem and public praise from his Duke, Artmann lived in modest circumstances. It was often remarked with astonishment that he could produce such exquisite work with hands described as malformed or "ungeschlachten Händen," characterized by abnormally wide fingers. After the loss of his wife on December 18, 1842, who succumbed to consumption, Artmann"s health declined, and he passed away four years later from old age.

Craft

• Workmanship: His craftsmanship was significantly influenced by F. A. Ernst. His instruments were meticulously constructed on the Amati-Stradivari model, distinguished by a rather arched form.
• Varnish: He consistently applied a thin, golden-yellow varnish to his instruments.
• Tone: According to Otto, Artmann"s violins closely mirrored Ernst"s in form, producing a strong, round, and thick tone, coupled with remarkable responsiveness. They were widely regarded as commendable imitations of the Italian masters.
• Value: Artmann sold his violins for 2 Louisdor; however, their market value increased significantly once they were well played-in, a testament to their quality even during his lifetime.

Influence

• Formal Training: Artmann received his formal training as a violin maker under the tutelage of F. A. Ernst in Gotha.
• Early Apprenticeship: His initial apprenticeship involved learning the joiner"s trade and instrument making from his father, Georg Valentin Artmann.

Legacy

• Official Recognition: Artmann received public commendation from his Duke, acknowledging the exceptional quality of his work.
• Enduring Market Value: His instruments were highly valued, with their prices appreciating significantly once they were played-in, serving as a clear testament to their enduring quality even within his lifetime.

Further Information

• Instrument Label: A typical label found within his instruments reads "J. N. Artmann in Wechmar / prope Gothan. 1835".
• Remarkable Dexterity: Despite possessing hands described as malformed or "ungeschlachten Händen" with abnormally wide fingers, he was notably capable of executing the finest craftsmanship with precision.

Summary

Johann Nikolaus Artmann (1774-c.1846) was a distinguished German violin maker from Wechmar. He began his training in joinery and instrument making under his father, Georg Valentin Artmann, before refining his skills as a pupil of F. A. Ernst in Gotha. Upon returning to Wechmar in 1799, Artmann devoted himself entirely to violin making after his father"s death. His instruments, influenced by Ernst and built on the Amati-Stradivari model with a characteristic golden-yellow varnish, were highly regarded for their strong tone and responsiveness. Despite modest living conditions and physical challenges, Artmann"s exceptional craftsmanship garnered public praise and ensured his violins were highly valued throughout his lifetime.