Violin by Johann Christoph Leidolff
Vienna, 1747


Violin Johann Christoph Leidolff, Vienna, 1745 
Violin Johann Christoph Leidolff, Vienna, 1745

Label: Johann Christoph Leidolff / Lauten- und Geigenmacher / in Wien 1747
Providence: Auction House Dorotheum, Vienna

Johann Christoph Leidolf (1690-1758) learned his trade most likely under his father, Nicholas Leidolff, the founder of this highly significant dynasty of Viennese violin-makers, who, in turn, either learned with Kögl or - perhaps more likely, judging from his work - acquired his knowhow directly in Italy. Although the instruments by Johann Christoph cannot deny their debt to the omnipresent influence of Stainer North of the Alps, his varnish and the scrolls point dicidedly towards his native city. The generous outlines of the body, the arching and the deep ribs give these instruments power and carry, without forfeiting their innate Viennese charm.

Body length 361 mm
Upper width
168mm
Middle width 115mm
Lower width 208mm
Rib height 34mm
String length 325mm


updated 14.10.2007