Johann Joseph Stadlmann

History

Johann Joseph STADLMANN (1720-1781) was born in 1720 and died in Vienna, Austria, in 1781. He was the son, pupil, and successor of Daniel Stadlmann. On December 15, 1745, he took the citizen's oath and resided in the so-called "Wübmer-Viertel," appearing in tax lists until his death. He was appointed luthier to the Viennese court. From 1781 to 1786, his widow continued the business, though a note in the tax book indicates she was "very poor, supported by her sister."

Craft

• Workmanship: Johann Joseph Stadlmann worked very carefully, similar to his father, following the form. He copied the Stainer model, often taking the arching even higher. According to Cecie Stainer, he was a "very clever maker" who copied the Stainer model "to great perfection." However, George Hart describes his work as of "average merit," and John Dilworth states it was "generally considered inferior" to his father's.
• Tone and Varnish: The tone of his instruments is considered quite good. His brown varnish, however, is less favorably regarded, with John Dilworth describing it as "very thin dark and opaque red-brown varnish: one of the least attractive characteristics of the Viennese school."
• Models: Some evidence suggests Stradivari influence in his later work.
• Known Instruments: Violas and cellos are known. A Viola di Bordone from 1750 is owned by Fürst Eszterházy in Eisenstadt, Hungary. A Viola d'amore from 1756, featuring a small female head on the pegbox, is part of the royal collection in Berlin (No. 869).
• Label: His label reads: "Joann Joseph / Stadlmann Kayserl: Konigl: / HofLauten und Geigen / macher in Wien. 1772".

Influence

• Training: Johann Joseph Stadlmann was the son and pupil of Daniel Stadlmann.

Legacy

• Family Continuity: After his death in 1781, his widow continued the business from 1781 to 1786.
• Collections: A Viola di Bordone from 1750 is held by Fürst Eszterházy in Eisenstadt, Hungary. A Viola d'amore from 1756 is part of the royal collection in Berlin.

Further Information

• Residence: He resided in the "Wübmer-Viertel" in Vienna.
• Appointment: He was appointed luthier to the Viennese court.

Summary

A prominent Viennese luthier, Johann Joseph STADLMANN (1720-1781) was the son, pupil, and successor of Daniel Stadlmann. He was appointed luthier to the Viennese court and was known for carefully copying the Stainer model, often with high arching. While sources offer varying assessments of his overall merit, his instruments are noted for their good tone, though his dark red-brown varnish is often criticized. His work sometimes showed Stradivari influence in later years, and examples of his violas, cellos, Viola di Bordone, and Viola d'amore are known.