Matthijs Hofmans

History

Matthijs Hofmans (circa 1660-1740) was a distinguished violin maker active in Antwerp, Belgium. His working period is generally cited as circa 1660-1720 by John Dilworth, though labels bearing dates as early as 1619 and as late as 1740 have been reported. This wide span has led to speculation, particularly by Dilworth, that there may have been two makers of the same name, possibly a father and son. Cecie Stainer notes his activity between 1680 and 1740. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff identifies him as one of the best Antwerp violin makers, noting that he apparently did not belong to the St. Luke's Guild.

Craft

• Models: Hofmans crafted instruments on the patterns of Italian masters, specifically Amati and Guarneri del Gesù, as noted by Cecie Stainer and Willibald Leo Lütgendorff. John Dilworth further specifies his work as being in the Amati style.
• Workmanship: His instruments are described as "beautiful" by Stainer and "very finely made" by Dilworth. Lütgendorff praises his work and tone as "recht lobenswerth" (quite praiseworthy).
• Varnish: Stainer describes his varnish as a warm dark red, similar to Italian instruments of the same period. Lütgendorff mentions a red-brown lacquer. Dilworth notes a golden amber varnish, sometimes with a darker red tone, though possibly harder in texture.
• Labels: Examples of his labels include "Matthys Hofmans tot Antwerpen, 1740" found in a pocket violin (Stainer), and "Matthys Hofmans / van Antwerpen. 1683" and "Matthys Hofmans / tot Antwerpen. 1720" (Dilworth).

Influence

• Italian Tradition: Hofmans worked after Italian models, with his designs tracing back to Amati and Guarneri, as stated by Willibald Leo Lütgendorff. John Dilworth corroborates this, describing his style as Amati-esque.

Legacy

• Exhibitions: A kit by Matthijs Hofmans was exhibited at Milan in 1870, according to George Hart.
• Notable Collections: Two of his violins were listed in the auction catalog of the Selhof collection in The Hague in 1759 (Lütgendorff). A charming pocket violin was featured in the Samary auction (Lütgendorff). The Snoeck collection in Berlin houses a pentagonal pocket violin attributed to him (Lütgendorff).
• Museum Holdings: A violin by Hofmans is preserved in the Museum of the Brussels Conservatory (No. 233), as documented by Lütgendorff. John Dilworth adds that several instruments, including violins, pochettes, violas, and a theorbo dated 1619, are held in the Musical Instruments Museum, Brussels.

Further Information

• Instrument Types: Matthijs Hofmans produced a variety of stringed instruments, including violins, pocket violins (pochettes), violas, and a theorbo, as detailed by John Dilworth.
• Workshop Location: His workshop was located in Antwerp, Belgium.

Summary

Matthijs Hofmans was a highly regarded violin maker active in Antwerp, Belgium, with a documented working period spanning from approximately 1660 to 1740. He is recognized for crafting beautiful instruments, primarily violins, violas, pochettes, and a theorbo, often following the esteemed patterns of Amati and Guarneri del Gesù. His work is characterized by fine craftsmanship and a distinctive warm dark red or golden amber varnish. Hofmans' instruments are represented in significant collections and museums, including the Musical Instruments Museum in Brussels, and have been featured in historical auctions and exhibitions.