Marcus Stainer

History

Marcus Stainer (Born circa. 1633, d.c.1693) is usually described as the brother and pupil of Jacob Stainer, working in Laufen, Austria, and later in Kufstein. However, according to John Dilworth in The Brompton's Book of Violin & Bow Makers, there is no supporting evidence for his existence, with Senn and Vannes suggesting the name is imaginary and used by dealers and fraudsters. Despite this, other sources detail his life and work. George Hart notes that Marcus Stainer styled himself "Citizen and Violin maker" on his labels, recognizing the honor of citizenship by including "Burger" after his name. Cecie Stainer, in A Dictionary of Violin Makers, states that he was a maker of moderate ability who, after his brother's death, made poor imitations of Jacob's work, sometimes with carefully copied labels, leading to the impression that Jacob was careless. The famous Florentine violin player, Veracini, reportedly owned two violins by Marcus Stainer, christened "St. Peter" and "St. Paul," which were unluckily lost in a shipwreck while sailing from London to Leghorn in 1746.

Craft

• Workmanship: Instruments produced by Marcus Stainer are rarely met with, but are described as being of moderate ability, sometimes poor imitations of his brother's work, according to Cecie Stainer. However, Willibald Leo Lütgendorff notes that while he did not equal his brother in talent, he was quite skilled and successfully imitated Jacob's work. Henri Poidras also describes his make as excellent, though not equal to his brother's.
• Materials and Varnish: Cecie Stainer notes that his instruments are made of fine wood with dark varnish. Lütgendorff describes them as having reddish-yellow or reddish-brown lacquer. John Dilworth mentions finely worked instruments with dull red-brown varnish.
• Pattern and Tone: Cecie Stainer indicates a pattern of large size, with a tone described as sweet but not powerful. Lütgendorff also notes a beautiful, large model.
• Distinctive Features: Marcus Stainer often added carved heads to the scrolls of his instruments, a detail also mentioned by Lütgendorff.
• Specific Instruments: A violin dated 1683 is known, and a viola from 1659 is said to have a beautiful tone, according to Cecie Stainer. Lütgendorff specifically praises his gambas and violas.

Influence

• Mentorship: Marcus Stainer is described as a pupil of his brother, Jacob Stainer, by Cecie Stainer. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff suggests he might have been a pupil of the same master as Jacob.

Further Information

• Working Locations: Marcus Stainer worked in Laufen, Austria, and later in Küfstein, Tyrol.
• Labels: A viola from 1659 bears the written label: "Marcus Stainer, Burger und Geigenmacher in Küfstein, anno 1659." Another label from 1647 is cited as "Marcus Stainer / bügerl: Lautten und / Geigenmacher in Küfstein / in Tyroll," according to Senn and Vannes via John Dilworth.
• Title: He styled himself "Citizen and Violin maker," using the term "Burger" after his name to acknowledge the special privileges associated with citizenship, as noted by George Hart.

Summary

Marcus Stainer, often described as the brother and pupil of the renowned Jacob Stainer, is a figure whose historical existence is debated among scholars, with some suggesting his name was used by dealers. Despite this controversy, other sources detail his life as a violin maker working in Laufen and Kufstein, Austria. He styled himself "Citizen and Violin maker" on his labels. His craftsmanship is generally described as moderate, though some sources praise his skill in imitating Jacob's work, noting his use of fine wood, dark varnish, and a large pattern, often featuring carved heads on the scrolls. His instruments, like the violins reportedly owned by Veracini, were known for a sweet, albeit not powerful, tone.