Aegidius Klotz

History

Aegidius Klotz (1733-1805) was born in 1733 and died in 1805 in Mittenwald, Germany, as documented by John Dilworth. He was the son of Sebastian Klotz, a fact noted by both John Dilworth and Willibald Leo Lütgendorff. Klotz is regarded as one of the best of the large family of Mittenwald makers, according to John Dilworth and Lütgendorff. Lütgendorff also states that he was married to Anna Gerblin and was still a member of the inner council in Mittenwald in 1799. An earlier Aegidius (I) proposed by Henley is not supported elsewhere and is probably based on a misread or falsified label, as stated by John Dilworth.

Craft

• Workmanship: He produced very refined work on a characteristic Stainer/Amati model with a medium high arch, as described by John Dilworth.
• F-holes & Pegbox: The nicks on his 'f' holes were set a little high, typically featuring a short swan-necked pegbox and a tightly-wound volute, according to John Dilworth.
• Varnish: He used several varnishes, mostly of good quality and consistency, as noted by John Dilworth.
• Materials & Tone: Cecie Stainer states that he followed the Stainer pattern, using good wood and amber-coloured varnish, and his instruments have a fine full tone and are well finished.
• Care: Willibald Leo Lütgendorff, however, noted that he often lacked the necessary care in his work.

Influence

• Training: Cecie Stainer suggests he was probably a pupil of Stainer in Absam, returning to Mittenwald, his native place, to work.
• Family Precedence: He was the first member of his family to make violins, according to Cecie Stainer.

Legacy

• Labeling: His instruments were signed with his name, as noted by Cecie Stainer. However, Willibald Leo Lütgendorff states that he, like other members of the Klotz family, frequently used Stainer's labels.

Further Information

• Label Example: An example label reads "Aegidius Kloz in Mitten- / vvald an der Iser, 1785", as cited by Layer and Baader in John Dilworth's work.

Summary

Aegidius Klotz (1733-1805) was a prominent Mittenwald violin maker, son of Sebastian Klotz. He is recognized for his refined work, often following a Stainer/Amati model, and for using good quality varnishes and materials. While Cecie Stainer suggests he was a pupil of Stainer and the first violin maker in his family, Willibald Leo Lütgendorff notes that he sometimes lacked care and, like other Klotz family members, often used Stainer's labels.