Johann Karl Klotz

History

Johann Karl Klotz (1709-1769) was born in Mittenwald, Germany, the son of Mathias Klotz (I) and Ursula, née Schlaucher. His godfather was Andreas Jais, described as a "lediger Lautenmacher" (unmarried lutenist). He resided in the lower market in a half-house that previously belonged to Thomas Nebel. Johann Karl Klotz was married to Margaretha Knilling. Sources contain conflicting information regarding his death; John Dilworth states he died in 1769, while Cecie Stainer notes he "died young" and that his instruments are rare.

Craft

• Model: He worked after a model described as "similar" to others in his family, and also as a "small, an Amati erinnernden Modell" (small, Amati-reminiscent model), according to Willibald Leo Lütgendorff.
• Soundholes: His instruments featured Cremonese soundholes.
• Head: A characteristic head with a small inner volute and an extended last turn was typical of his work.
• Varnish: The varnish he used is described as thin and intense in colour, with some examples showing a more Amati-like golden-brown hue. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff notes he used "dunkelbraunen Lack" (dark brown varnish), while Cecie Stainer observed a "dark varnish, almost black in colour."
• Workmanship: John Dilworth describes his execution as "less well disciplined... than some others of the family," however, Willibald Leo Lütgendorff considered him "einer der besten Geigenmacher seiner Familie" (one of the best violin makers of his family), and Cecie Stainer states his instruments are "among the best of those made by the Klotz family."
• Labels: He used manuscript labels up to 1750, thereafter transitioning to printed labels. Examples include: "Ioan. Carol Kloz, in / Mittenvvald, An 1752.", "Johan Carl Klotz fecit / in Mittenwald, 1754", and "Joan Carol Klotz in Mittenwald, an. 1750".

Influence

• Training: He is thought to have been a pupil of Sebastian Klotz, his half-brother.
• Apprentices: Johann Karl Klotz trained Phillip Sailer between approximately 1737 and 1742.
• Family Tradition: He also trained his own sons, Wolfgang and Michael Klotz.

Legacy

• Collections: A violin made by Johann Karl Klotz from the Sammlung Snoeck (Collection Snoeck), numbered 516, is housed in Berlin.
• Rarity: Cecie Stainer notes that his instruments are rare and "but little known."

Further Information

• Workshop Location: Johann Karl Klotz worked in Mittenwald, Germany.

Summary

Johann Karl Klotz (1709-1769) was a German violin maker from Mittenwald, son of Mathias Klotz (I). He was a pupil of his half-brother Sebastian Klotz and trained Phillip Sailer, as well as his sons Wolfgang and Michael. His instruments are characterized by Cremonese soundholes, a distinctive head, and thin, intensely coloured varnish, sometimes golden-brown or dark brown. While John Dilworth noted his execution as "less well disciplined," other sources like Willibald Leo Lütgendorff and Cecie Stainer consider his work among the best of the Klotz family. He used both manuscript and printed labels, and a violin of his is part of the Sammlung Snoeck in Berlin.