Johann Ferdinand Patzelt

History

Johann Ferdinand Patzelt (1828-1876) was born in Budapest, Hungary, in 1828 and died in Berlin, Germany, in 1876. He was the son and pupil of Ferdinand Patzelt (I). Patzelt worked as an assistant for Engleder and Schulz in Regensburg before returning to his father's business as a partner. After his marriage, he moved to Vienna, hoping to find better opportunities and artistic inspiration, as he had been particularly praised by Viennese violin makers. Despite facing significant difficulties in obtaining master rights in Vienna, he quickly earned the respect and friendship of his colleagues through his competence and upright character. He was active as a maker in Vienna around 1850-1866. In 1862, he was awarded a medal in London. Following the death of Helmich in Berlin in 1866, Patzelt was appointed as the artistic director of the Grimm workshop there.

Craft

• Model: Patzelt adopted a classical Italian model for his instruments.
• Workmanship: His instruments are noted for their fine and accurate workmanship.
• Brand: Instruments were branded with 'J.F.P. + A.O.'.
• Labels: Some of his violins contain a second label with the inscription: "Fluch jeder Hand, die im Unverstand / Von der Geig' was scheert, die ist nichts werth" (Curse each hand, which through imprudence does anything unworthy to this violin).
• Notable Instruments: The violinist Hellmesberger owned an excellent quartet of his instruments, and both Laub and Miska Hauser preferred to play his violins. His son reportedly still possessed a particularly excellent viola made by Patzelt in 1862.

Influence

• Training: Johann Ferdinand Patzelt was the son and pupil of Ferdinand Patzelt (I).
• Apprenticeship: He worked as an assistant for Engleder and Schulz, specifically in Regensburg.

Legacy

• Awards: Johann Ferdinand Patzelt was awarded a medal in London in 1862.
• Patronage: His instruments were favored by notable musicians such as Hellmesberger, Laub, and Miska Hauser.
• Family Continuity: His son reportedly still owned a viola made by Patzelt in 1862.

Further Information

• Expertise: Patzelt was a well-regarded connoisseur and restorer of old masterworks.
• Musical Skill: He was also a skilled violinist.

Summary

Johann Ferdinand Patzelt (1828-1876) was a significant violin maker, born in Budapest and active in Vienna and Berlin. He was trained by his father, Ferdinand Patzelt (I), and worked for Engleder and Schulz before establishing his own reputation in Vienna. Known for his fine workmanship and classical Italian models, he received a medal in London in 1862 and later became the artistic director of the Grimm workshop in Berlin. Patzelt was also a respected connoisseur, restorer, and skilled violinist, whose instruments were played by prominent musicians like Hellmesberger, Laub, and Miska Hauser.