Nicolaus Diehl

History

Nicolaus Diehl (1779-1851) was born in 1779 in Mainz and died in 1851 in Darmstadt, Germany, as documented by John Dilworth. He was the second son of Martin Diehl (I) and worked alongside his father and his uncle, Jacob Steininger of Frankfurt, who was also his teacher, according to Willibald Leo Lütgendorff, George Hart, and Cecie Stainer. Nicolaus Diehl established his workshop in Darmstadt from 1811, succeeding his father's business. He was appointed as the repairer to the Grand Duke of Hesse, or grossherzoglich hessischer Hoflauten- und Geigenmacher, as noted by Dilworth and Lütgendorff.

Craft

• Workmanship: John Dilworth describes Nicolaus Diehl as the most refined workman of his family.
• Model Development: His early work exhibited a 'Klotz-like' character, but he later developed a more Italian-influenced model that aspired to French levels of precision, according to John Dilworth.
• Cello Characteristics: This precision is particularly evident in the ornately carved heads of some of his cellos, crafted in the Lafleur manner. These cellos often featured slightly over-large soundholes, as observed by John Dilworth.
• Varnish: Sources contain conflicting information regarding his varnish. John Dilworth notes he used well-coloured but thin varnish, while Willibald Leo Lütgendorff states his wood and gold-yellow varnish were usually good.
• Specialization: Willibald Leo Lütgendorff indicates that while his work was very similar to that of his brother Johann, his contrabasses were considered his best instruments.

Influence

• Family Training: Nicolaus Diehl worked with his father, Martin Diehl (I).
• Mentorship: He also worked with and was a pupil of his uncle, Jacob Steininger of Frankfurt, as stated by John Dilworth, George Hart, Cecie Stainer, and Willibald Leo Lütgendorff.

Legacy

• Official Appointment: Nicolaus Diehl held the title of repairer to the Grand Duke of Hesse, or grossherzoglich hessischer Hoflauten- und Geigenmacher, in Darmstadt.
• Family Reputation: He was regarded as the most refined workman within the Diehl family, according to John Dilworth.

Further Information

• Workshop Location: Nicolaus Diehl's workshop was established in Darmstadt from 1811.
• Label Inscription: An example of his label reads: "Nicolaus Diehl / Grossherzogl:Hessischer / Hof-Lauten u Geigenmacher / in Darmstadt, 18.."

Summary

Nicolaus Diehl (1779-1851) was a German luthier, born in Mainz and active in Darmstadt from 1811. The second son of Martin Diehl (I), he trained with his father and his uncle, Jacob Steininger of Frankfurt. He succeeded his father's business and was appointed repairer to the Grand Duke of Hesse. Known as the most refined craftsman in his family, his work evolved from a 'Klotz-like' style to an Italian-influenced model with French precision, particularly noted in his ornately carved cello heads. His contrabasses were considered his finest instruments.