Joseph Thomas (I) Klotz

History

Joseph Thomas (I) Klotz (born 1743, died after 1811) was a distinguished violin maker from Mittenwald, Germany. According to Willibald Leo Lütgendorff, John Dilworth, and Cecie Stainer, he was the son and student of Sebastian Klotz, a prominent figure in the renowned Klotz family of luthiers. However, George Hart states that he was the son of Egidius. During his lifetime, Joseph Thomas (I) Klotz was known by the abbreviated name "Joseph Kl." His son, also named Joseph, was referred to as "Joseph Kl. jun." to distinguish them, a practice noted by Lütgendorff. Cecie Stainer confirms he was still working in Mittenwald in 1774, and John Dilworth indicates his activity is documented until at least 1809 through label dates.

Willibald Leo Lütgendorff describes him as one of the most capable violin makers in the entire family and a true artist, regretting that he did not produce a greater volume of instruments. Lütgendorff recounts that it was said he worked only three days a week, dedicating the remaining time to hunting and fishing, a lifestyle he could afford due to the consistently high prices his violins commanded. John Dilworth notes his work could be inconsistent, presumably made for sale in different grades.

Various labels attributed to him, as documented by John Dilworth, include "Joseph Klotz Laut. Geigen / macher in Mittenwald 1792," "Joseph Kloz Senior in / Mittenwald 1809 No. 308," "Joseph Kloz in Mittenwald / an der Iser, anno 1782," and "Josef Klotz / Mittenwald. anno 1797."

Craft

• Materials: According to Cecie Stainer, Joseph Thomas (I) Klotz was careful in his selection of wood. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff also states that both his wood and workmanship were equally good.
• Methods: His craftsmanship exhibited several distinct characteristics. His arching was generally flatter than that of most of his Mittenwald colleagues, as described by Willibald Leo Lütgendorff, who also noted his F-holes possessed a beautiful curve. John Dilworth further characterizes his work as typical Klotz style with low and medium arching. Cecie Stainer mentions that he also followed the Stainer pattern and attests to the very good tone of his instruments. Regarding varnish, Lütgendorff describes it as being of yellow or reddish color, and Dilworth specifies yellow varnish. However, Cecie Stainer states that he used varnish of poor quality, presenting a point of differing assessment regarding the varnish's quality.

Legacy

• Famous Owners: A beautiful violin and a matching viola, both dated 1792, are currently owned by the choir of the Stiftskirche in Laufen, according to Willibald Leo Lütgendorff.

Further Information

• Historical Uncertainties: Sources present conflicting information regarding his paternal lineage (as detailed in the 'History' section). Additionally, there is a contradiction regarding the quality of his varnish, with Cecie Stainer describing it as poor quality, while Lütgendorff and Dilworth simply describe its color without commenting on quality.
• Notable Quotes: Willibald Leo Lütgendorff writes: "Einer der tüchtigsten Geigenmacher der ganzen Familie, ein echter Künstler, bei dem zu bedauern ist, dass er nicht allzu viel gemacht hat." [One of the most capable violin makers of the entire family, a true artist, for whom it is regrettable that he did not make too much.]
• Lütgendorff also recounts: "Man erzählt sich, dass er nur an drei Tagen der Woche gearbeitet und die übrige Zeit der Jagd und der Fischerei gewidmet habe. Er konnte sich das erlauben, denn seine Geigen wurden ihm stets sehr gut bezahlt." [It is said that he only worked three days a week and dedicated the rest of the time to hunting and fishing. He could afford this, as his violins were always very well paid.]

Summary

Joseph Thomas (I) Klotz, active from at least 1774 until after 1811, was a significant Mittenwald violin maker. While his parentage is a point of conflicting information, with sources identifying his father as either Sebastian or Egidius Klotz, he is widely recognized as a highly capable artist within the renowned Klotz family. He was known for his skilled craftsmanship, which included careful wood selection, good workmanship, flatter arching, beautifully curved F-holes, and instruments that produced a very good tone. His varnish was described as yellow or reddish, though one source disputes its quality. Despite a reported preference for working only part-time to pursue interests like hunting and fishing, he was consistently well-compensated for his violins. A notable violin and viola from 1792 are owned by the choir of the Stiftskirche in Laufen.