Ernst Kessler
Markneukirchen, 1856–1931
Ernst Kessler (1856-1931) was a German violin and bow maker born in Markneukirchen and active in Berlin.He trained under August Voigt and Ludwig Otto, and worked for August Riechers before establishing his own workshop in Charlottenburg in 1882.Kessler succeeded Riechers as the principal repairer for the Berlin Hochschule and was known for his finely made instruments, often copying the Stradivari model, using good materials, and earning several awards for his workmanship.
Auction Price History
Highest auction price
5 results
| Type | Details | Auction house | Sold | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violin | Bearing the original label, branded internally E. Kessler, Berlin Lot 82 | Brompton’s | June 2013 | £4,560est. £ 3,000-5,000 |
| Violin | Labelled Ernst Kreusler, Dresden, Anno 1946 ..., branded to the inside back Ernst Kreusler, Dresden Lot 321 | Tarisio | January 2012 | £683est. $ 1,000-1,500 |
| Violin Bow | S/E 54 g. | — | January 1990 | £220 |
| Violin Bow | S/E 58 g. | — | January 1985 | £352 |
| Violin Bow | S/E 58 g. | — | January 1985 | £366 |
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Maker Overview
Life
Ernst Kessler (1856-1931) was born in 1856 in Markneukirchen and died in 1931 in Berlin.
He was a pupil of August Voigt (also referred to as Albin Voigt) and Ludwig Otto (also referred to as Louis Otto).
He worked for August Riechers in Berlin, starting in 1874, and it was with these two masters that he truly learned his art from the ground up.
After completing his military service, he returned to Riechers in 1880 and established himself independently in Charlottenburg, Berlin, from 1882.
Through diligence, he quickly gained recognition, and after Riechers' death, he succeeded him as the principal repairer for the Hochschule (Conservatorium) in Berlin.
Characteristics
- Model
- He primarily copied the Stradivari model from the years 1696 to 1723, though he often varied the model.
- Materials
- He used beautiful, old wood and a good varnish.
- Workmanship
- His instruments are praised for their perfect execution and good tone, and he was known for his extreme precision in painstaking work.
- Imitation
- He possessed the skill to imitate old masterpieces.
- Bow Making
- He also enjoyed a reputation as a bow maker.
Influence and legacy
- Teachers: He was a pupil of August Voigt (also known as Albin Voigt) and Ludwig Otto (also known as Louis Otto).
- Employers: He worked for August Riechers in Berlin.
- Awards: He received several awards for his workmanship, including the royal Prussian State Medal in silver in 1897.
- Recognition: His new violins were purchased by Professor Joachim for stipends (Joachim Stipendium).
Biographies
The overview above is drawn from the following published accounts. Read them in the original:
John Dilworth+
Ernst, Born 1856 Markneukirchen, died 1931 Berlin. Violin and bow maker. Pupil of August Voigt and Lugwig Otto. Worked for August Riechers in Berlin. Established independently in Charlottenburg from 1882. Succeeded Riechers as principal repairer to the Hochschule. Stradivari model; finely made with good materials. Several awards for workmanship. Instruments sometimes branded: ‘E.K’ or ‘Joachim Stipendium’
Willibald Leo Lütgendorff+
Schüler von Albin Voigt; als Gehilfe arbeitete er bei Louis Otto in Düsseldorf
und 1874 bei Riechers in Berlin. Bei diesen beiden Meistern erlernte er
seine Kunst erst wirklich von Grund auf. Nach beendigter Militärzeit ging er
1880 abermals zu Riechers und machte sich 1882 in Berlin selbstständig. Durch
Fleiss brachte er es bald zu Ansehen; nach Riechers Tod übertrug man ihm
dessen Arbeiten für das Conservatorium in Berlin, und seine neuen Geigen
werden von Prof. Joachim für Stipendien angekauft. 1897 erhielt er die kgl.
preussische Staatsmedaille in Silber. Er copirt meist Stradivari aus den Jahren
1696—1723, doch wechselt er öfter das Modell. Vollendete Ausführung und
guter Ton wird seinen Instrumenten nachgerühmt. Er verwendet schönes, altes
Holz und hat einen guten Lack. Er ist ungemein genau in Geduldsarbeiten
und versteht es alte Meisterwerke nachzuahmen, auch als Bogenmacher geniesst
er Ruf. Unter dem Zettel ist der Name noch eingebrannt.
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