Franz Geissenhof

History

Franz Geissenhof (1753-1821) was born in Füssen, Germany, and died in Vienna, Austria. Sources contain conflicting information regarding his birth year, with some stating 1753 and others 1754. He was a pupil and successor of Johann Georg Thir, taking his citizenship oath on July 29, 1780. Geissenhof is known as the Viennese Stradivari and is recognized as the finest maker of that school. He was active from 1779, with a viola d'amore cited by Vannes from this period. Initially, he utilized high-built Stainer models, but by 1800, he had transitioned to the Stradivari form, producing a series of highly distinguished instruments in that style. His last known work is dated 1817. The dramatic evolution and variety of his work have unfortunately led to significant deception and forgery, with his label and imitated brand frequently found in inferior instruments.

Craft

• Workmanship: He exhibited strong, confident workmanship and a high degree of finish.
• Varnish: His varnish evolved from the dark, thin, and slightly opaque recipe common in Tyrolean work to finely transparent, subtly-tinted coatings found on his later instruments. Some darker colored varnishes display a finely crackled texture.
• Materials: Excellent wood was used throughout his instruments.
• Models: He worked after Italian models, particularly the Stradivari model of 1716.
• Instrument Types: He produced several double-purfled Maggini violin copies, a good number of violas, and rare cellos; only one double bass is recorded.
• Sound: Willibald Leo Lütgendorff notes that the sound of his violins is "nicht sehr gross" (not very big).
• Labels: On his labels, he did not always fill in the year, which has resulted in years (up to 1840) being added by other hands on genuine instruments with authentic labels.

Influence

• Training: He was a pupil of Johann Georg Thir.
• Mentorship: He was the teacher of J. B. Schweizer.

Legacy

• Collections: An excellent viola by him was part of the Vienna Music and Theater Exhibition. The Stift Schotten in Vienna possesses two of his violins from 1800 and 1809, while the Stift Klosterneuburg holds one from 1810. Edw. Speyer in Ridgehurst owned a violin from 1804.

Further Information

• Branding: His instruments are sometimes branded on the back button with 'F. G.'
• Label Inscription: An example label reads: Franciscus Geissenhof fecit / Viennae Anno 1782.
• Workshop Location: He resided at Singerstrasse No. 922.

Franz Geissenhof (1753-1821) was a prominent Viennese luthier, known as the "Viennese Stradivari." A pupil of Johann Georg Thir, he initially used Stainer models but transitioned to the Stradivari form by 1800, producing highly distinguished instruments. His craftsmanship was strong and confident, utilizing excellent wood and evolving varnish techniques. He made violins, violas, and rare cellos, and his instruments are found in notable collections.