Carl Nicolas Sawicki

History

Carl Nicolas SAWICKI (1792-1850) was born in 1792 in Lviv, Ukraine, and died in 1850 in Vienna, Austria. According to John Dilworth in The Brompton's Book of Violin & Bow Makers, he was considered the finest maker of the Vienna school. He settled in Vienna and, by 1824, was one of the city's best violin makers, as noted by Willibald Leo Lütgendorff in Die Geigen- und Lautenmacher vom Mittelalter bis zur Gegenwart. John Dilworth also states that his authentic work is relatively rare, and false labels are unfortunately found in inferior instruments.

Craft

• Workmanship: John Dilworth describes his workmanship as very distinguished and accurate.
• Models: He made fine copies of Stradivari and Guarneri, with Henri Poidras specifically mentioning very fine copies of Guarnerius del Gesu. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff further notes that he worked primarily after Guarneri del Gesù and created such a faithful copy of Paganini's violin that the great violinist himself was delighted.
• Varnish: His varnish is described by John Dilworth as excellent golden-orange or red, possessing good depth and transparency.
• Materials: He used handsomely flamed maple and close straight-grained spruce.
• Instruments: He is known to have made violins, violas, and cellos.
• Notable Features: One violin from 1848 is known for its extensive mother-of-pearl inlay.

Influence

• Training: Willibald Leo Lütgendorff states that he learned in Prague or Vienna.

Legacy

• Endorsements: The renowned violinist Paganini, after seeing Sawicki's copy of his own violin, declared him an "extraordinary genius" (ausserordentliches Genie) in a testimonial dated August 10, 1828, praising both his new violins and his unparalleled skill in repairing all string instruments.

Further Information

• Labels: Known label inscriptions include: "Nicolaus Sawicki / fecit N.S. / Viennae Anno 1848"; "Smae. C.R. Apostolicae Maiestati / Ferdinando Imo Austriae imperatori / dedicavit in signum Venerationis et Submissionis / Carol Nicol. Sawicki Leopolitanus Vienna A. 1837"; "C. Nicol Sawicki fecit / Anno 1826 Viennae"; and "Nicolaus Sawicki / fecit / Viennae Anno 18.. N.S."

Summary

Carl Nicolas Sawicki (1792-1850) was a highly esteemed luthier of the Vienna school, born in Lviv and active in Vienna by 1824. He was known for his distinguished and accurate workmanship, creating fine copies of Stradivari and Guarneri, particularly Guarnerius del Gesù, using handsomely flamed maple and close straight-grained spruce. His instruments, which included violins, violas, and cellos, featured excellent golden-orange or red varnish with good depth and transparency. Sawicki received high praise from Niccolò Paganini, who declared him an "extraordinary genius" for his faithful copy of Paganini's violin and his skill in instrument repair. His authentic works are rare, and he is recognized for his significant contribution to violin making.