Jacob (II) Rauch

History

Jacob (II) RAUCH (1680-1765) was a luthier who worked in Mannheim, Germany. According to John Dilworth, he was born in 1680 in Trauchgau, Füssen, and died in Mannheim in 1765. He began his work around 1720, with Willibald Leo Lütgendorff noting he was Hof-Lauten- und Geigenmacher (court lute and violin maker) in Mannheim from at least 1723. He was the son of Jacob Rauch (I). He was appointed luthier to the court in Mannheim. Cecie Stainer notes that he was active in Mannheim from about 1720 to 1750. A label found in an arch-lute by Laux Maler, which Rauch had restored, read: "Jacob Rauch Hof-Lauten und Geigenmacher in Mannheim, anno 1740. Zugericht." Another label mentioned by Stainer was dated 1747. John Dilworth also cites labels from 1732 and 1776, though the 1776 date conflicts with his reported death in 1765.

Craft

• Instruments: Jacob (II) Rauch produced violins, altos (violas), violoncellos, double-basses, viols d'amores, and lutes, including the restoration of arch-lutes.
• Workmanship & Quality: Sources offer conflicting descriptions of his workmanship. Cecie Stainer states he produced "very good work" and that the quality of tone of his violins was "very similar to that of Stainer violins," also noting his "excellent altos, violoncellos, and double-basses." John Dilworth describes his work as "Fine neatly finished work on Stainer derived models." However, Willibald Leo Lütgendorff suggests his violins and violas show "recht gewöhnliche Arbeit" (quite ordinary work) and that he "besondere Sorgfalt auf die Wahl des Holzes verwendete er jedenfalls nicht" (certainly did not use particular care in the choice of wood).
• Model Characteristics: His models often featured a high arching. Lütgendorff notes a "meist breite Modell" (mostly broad model) reminiscent of the Swabian school, with "unschöne F-Löcher" (unattractive F-holes).
• Materials: John Dilworth mentions "Plain materials," with heads often made of pearwood. Lütgendorff also states that the neck and scroll were often made of pearwood.
• Varnish: Descriptions of his varnish vary. Lütgendorff describes it as "trüber, braungelber Lack" (dull, brownish-yellow varnish). John Dilworth notes a "Pale golden-yellow varnish," while Henri Poidras mentions a "Dark yellow varnish."

Influence

• Family Tradition: Jacob (II) Rauch was the son of Jacob Rauch (I), suggesting a family tradition in instrument making.
• Stylistic Influence: His work often featured "Stainer derived models," and the tone quality of his violins was said to be "very similar to that of Stainer violins," indicating a significant influence from the Stainer school.

Further Information

• Workshop Location: Mannheim, Germany.
• Labels: Known labels include: "Jacob Rauch Hof-Lauten und Geigenmacher in Mannheim, anno 1740. Zugericht." (Cecie Stainer), another dated 1747 (Cecie Stainer), "Jacob Rauch / Hoff Lauten und Geigenmacher / in Mannheim. Anno 1732" (John Dilworth), and "Jacob Rauch hoff lauten und. Geigen- / macher in Mannheim. Anno 1776" (John Dilworth). Sources contain conflicting information regarding the 1776 label date, as John Dilworth also states his death year as 1765.

Summary

Jacob (II) Rauch was a German luthier born in 1680 in Trauchgau, Füssen, and active in Mannheim from around 1720 until his death in 1765. He held the esteemed position of Hof-Lauten- und Geigenmacher (court lute and violin maker). He produced a range of instruments including violins, violas, cellos, double-basses, viols d'amores, and lutes. While some sources praise his "very good work" and "Stainer derived models," others describe his craftsmanship as "quite ordinary" with less care in wood selection. His instruments are characterized by high arching, and his varnish is described with varying hues of yellow. He was the son of Jacob Rauch (I), indicating a family lineage in instrument making.