Anton Widhalm

History

Anton WIDHALM (1756-after 1792) was born in 1756 in Nuremberg and died after 1792 in Regensburg, Germany.

He was the third son and pupil of Leopold Widhalm.

Anton Widhalm worked with G. D. Buchstetter in Regensburg, whose business he took over in 1771.

According to Willibald Leo Lütgendorff, he appears to have worked for Buchstetter and settled in Stadtamhof after Buchstetter's death.

Craft

• Model: His early work was closely modeled on Stainer, but later instruments showed Italian influence, specifically imitating Stradivari, with instruments of the latter type considered his masterpieces.
• Workmanship: His model is elegant in form and made with good wood, demonstrating fine craftsmanship.
• Varnish: He applied a thick, usually dark red, transparent varnish with very commendable properties, often over a dark ground.
• Technique: Like Buchstetter, he stained his violins before varnishing them.

Influence

• Mentorship: He was the pupil of his father, Leopold Widhalm.
• Collaboration: He worked with G. D. Buchstetter, and his work is considered close to this master, placing him among the better German violin makers of his time.

Legacy

• Attribution: Many of his works are likely to be found in trade today as genuine "Stainer" instruments.

Further Information

• Brand: His brand, circled by foliage, reads 'A.W'.
• Label: An example of his label reads 'Antonius Widhalm / fecit, Pedeponti prope Ratisbonam, 1788'.
• Working Locations: He worked in Regensburg and settled in Stadtamhof.

Summary

Anton Widhalm (1756-after 1792) was a German violin maker, the third son and pupil of Leopold Widhalm, who took over G. D. Buchstetter's business in Regensburg in 1771.

His instruments, known for their elegant form, good wood, and fine craftsmanship, followed both Stainer and Stradivari models, featuring a thick, dark red, transparent varnish applied over a stained ground.