Sebastian Dallinger

History

Sebastian Dallinger (1735-1809) was born in 1735 and died in 1809 in Vienna, Austria. He took the citizen's oath on January 23, 1768, and resided in the Kärnthner Viertel, Himmelpfortgasse. His name appears in tax books until 1787. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff notes that Dallinger was a very capable lute and violin maker, on par with Thir. Sources indicate that his name was consistently written as Dalinger by himself, though official documents sometimes recorded it as Tallinger or Dallinger.

Craft

• Model: Dallinger's work often followed the Stainer model, characterized by a high arch and a deep edge flute. Later instruments, however, were less extreme in their arching.
• Workmanship: His instruments exhibit very refined finish and careful craftsmanship. The outline, arching, and F-holes show beautiful curves, reminiscent of the Stainer model.
• Wood: The wood used was generally good, though not always exceptionally beautiful.
• Scrolls: Scrolls were finely carved, sometimes featuring a Stainer-like lion's head.
• Varnish: According to John Dilworth, the varnish was often a little thin and not enhanced by a dull ground, usually appearing clear yellow. Some degraded examples have turned dark brown, while others show a quite substantial red-brown coat. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff, however, states that the varnish was usually dark brown and lacked brilliance, though sometimes it was yellow. For instance, Korecky in Prague possesses a violoncello from 1803 by Dallinger with yellowish varnish.
• Instruments: His violoncellos are particularly sought after. The Schottenstift in Vienna owns a violoncello by him from 1771.
• Labels and Brands: At least one example of his work features a large brand on the upper back that reads: 'Sebastian Dallinger Vienna 1783'. Printed labels include: 'Sebastian Dalinger / Lauten und Geigenmacher / in Wien. 1783.', 'Sebastian Dalinger / Viennae. anno 1806', and 'Sebastian Dalinger / fecit Vien- / nae. Anno 1768'.

Influence

• Mentorship/Tradition: Sebastian Dallinger's work is noted for being on a par with that of Thir, indicating a shared high standard of Viennese lutherie.
• Model Influence: His instruments frequently adopted the Stainer model, influencing their characteristic high arch and F-hole design.

Legacy

• Notable Instruments: His violoncellos are highly regarded and sought after.
• Collections: A violoncello made by Dallinger in 1771 is part of the collection at the Schottenstift in Vienna. Korecky in Prague also owns a violoncello from 1803 by him.

Further Information

• Residence: He lived in the Kärnthner Viertel, Himmelpfortgasse, in Vienna.
• Citizenship: He took the citizen's oath on January 23, 1768.
• Tax Records: He was listed in tax books until 1787.
• Name Variations: While he consistently signed his name as Dalinger, official records sometimes refer to him as Tallinger or Dallinger.

Summary

Sebastian Dallinger (1735-1809) was a highly regarded lute and violin maker active in Vienna, Austria. Born in 1735 and dying in 1809, he became a citizen in 1768 and resided in the Kärnthner Viertel. His instruments, particularly his violoncellos, are noted for their refined finish and careful craftsmanship, often following the Stainer model with a high arch. While sources contain conflicting information regarding his varnish color, it was generally described as clear yellow or dark brown. He used printed labels and sometimes branded his instruments.