Sebastian (I) Klotz

History

Sebastian (I) Klotz (1696-1775) was born in 1696 and died in 1775 in Mittenwald, Germany. He was the son, pupil, and successor of Matthias Klotz. According to John Dilworth, he worked in the family home in Herrenglasse, taking ownership in 1728. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff notes that he was married to Rosina Mayrin and is referred to as 'Plectopöus' in documents. He was the father of three violin makers: Georg Karl, Aegidius, and Joseph Thomas. From approximately 1760, his production declined into more routine work, which was probably executed mainly by his sons and pupils.

Craft

• Style: John Dilworth describes his style as very sophisticated, midway between Amati and Stainer, and sometimes slightly oversized. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff states that his violins were made in the Stainer style but were somewhat less arched.
• Varnish: Willibald Leo Lütgendorff notes that his varnish was thicker and better than his father's, of various colors, mostly reddish-brown or dark brown, and sometimes resembled that of Albani.
• Labels: Original labels are comparatively rare, and many examples are found with generic Mittenwald Amati or Stainer tickets. Instruments were sometimes inscribed internally with 'S.K.'. Manuscript labels were used up until approximately 1750, with printed labels thereafter. An example label reads: 'Sebastian Kloz, in / Mittenvvald, An. 1752 [Layer, Baader]'.
• Notable Instruments: A violin from 1740 is held in Berlin from the Snoeck Collection (No. 513), and an alto viola from 1734 was in the Scheurleer Collection.

Influence

• Mentorship: He was the son and pupil of Matthias Klotz.
• Apprentices: He taught four apprentices: Anton, Andreas, and Johann Augustin Gasler (Gassler), and Johann Georg Psenner (II).

Legacy

• Family Continuity: He was the father of three violin makers: Georg Karl, Aegidius, and Joseph Thomas.
• Reputation: John Dilworth considers him one of the finest makers of the family.

Further Information

• Workshop Location: He worked in the family home in Herrenglasse.

Summary

Sebastian (I) Klotz (1696-1775) was a significant Mittenwald violin maker, recognized as the son, pupil, and successor of Matthias Klotz. He took ownership of the family home in Herrenglasse in 1728 and was the father of three violin-making sons: Georg Karl, Aegidius, and Joseph Thomas. He also trained four apprentices. John Dilworth describes his style as sophisticated, blending Amati and Stainer influences, while Willibald Leo Lütgendorff highlights his superior and distinctive varnish. His production evolved over time, with his sons and pupils contributing significantly to his later work.