Prague School
Johann Michael Willer
Prague, 1753–1826
Johann Michael Willer (1753-1826) was a significant luthier in Prague, born in Vils, Austria. He became a citizen of Prague in 1780 and led the luthiers' guild from 1825 to 1826. His craftsmanship evolved from the Stainer-Tyrolean model to an elegant Amatisé Stradivari model, also incorporating Brescian influences. He was known for his fine workmanship, elegant corners, and a distinctive resinous red-brown varnish on his later instruments. Willer's workshop moved through several locations in Prague, and he used specific labels to mark his instruments, though unlabelled and forged pieces also exist.
Auction price history
Highest auction price
| Type | Details | Sold | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violin | 35.6 cm Prague, 1770 c. | November 2008 | £1,556 |
| Violin | 1800 c. | May 1994 | £1,706 |
| Violin | 1758 | November 1989 | £3,080 |
Maker Overview
Life
Johann Michael Willer (1753-1826) was born in Vils, Austria, in 1753 and later died in Prague, Czech Republic, in 1826. He was granted citizenship in Prague in 1780., he was the son of Sebastian W. and Maria Anna, née Wörle. On May 2, 1780, he became a citizen of Prague's Old Town and married Eva Stokanek, with whom he had three sons and two daughters. He served as the head of the luthiers' guild in 1825 and was the Vorsteher der Geigenmacher-Zunft from 1825 to 1826.
Characteristics
- Stylistic Evolution
- Willer successfully evolved from the Stainer-Tyrolean model, characteristic of his early work, to an elegant Amatisé Stradivari model. He also skillfully imitated Brescian masters.
- Workmanship
- His work is characterized by fine, disciplined workmanship, featuring long, elegant corners. Even with the shift to the Stradivari model, he retained a slightly exaggerated edge flute to the arch.
- Varnish
- Earlier instruments made on the Stainer model often feature a thinner, less attractive pale brown varnish. Later instruments, particularly those on the Stradivari model, are noted for a resinous, soft red-brown varnish. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff mentions that his violins were made with yellow spirit varnish or fine oil varnish, producing a very good tone.
- Unlabelled Instruments
- John Dilworth notes that Henley states Willer supplied unlabelled instruments "in the white" to other makers and dealers for finishing. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff also mentions that there are inferior, simply white-polished violins bearing his name, which are certainly forgeries, as Willer was a conscientious and excellent master.
- Johann Michael Willer
Lauten und Geigenmacher
in Prag. 1783John Dilworth - Johann Michael Willer
Musikalischer Instrumentenmacher
in Prag 1806John Dilworth
Influence and legacy
- Stylistic Influences: Willer's work shows a clear progression from the Stainer-Tyrolean model to the Amatisé Stradivari model, indicating a strong influence from both traditions. He also skillfully emulated the Brescian masters.
- Guild Leadership: Johann Michael Willer was a prominent figure in the Prague lutherie community, serving as the head of the luthiers' guild in 1825 and as the Vorsteher der Geigenmacher-Zunft from 1825 to 1826.
Biographies
The overview above is drawn from the following published accounts. Read them in the original:
John Dilworth+
WILLER, Johann Michael Born 1753 Vils Austria, died 1826 Prague Czech Republic. Granted citizenship in Prague 1780 and head of the luthiers guild in 1825. Evolved successfully from the Stainer-Tyrolean model of his early work to an elegant Amatisé Stradivari model, although still retaining a slightly exaggerated edge flute to the arch. Fine disciplined workmanship. Long elegant corners and a resinous soft red-brown varnish. Earlier work on the Stainer model has a thinner less attractive pale brown varnish. Some Brescian-modelled work also recorded. Henley states that he supplied unlabelled instruments in the white to other makers and dealers for finishing. Johann Michael Willer / Lauten und Geigenmacher / in Prag. 1783 Johann Michael Willer / Musikalischer Instrumentenmacher / in Prag 1806 [Pilar]
Willibald Leo Lütgendorff+
Sohn des Sebastian W. und der Maria Anna, geb. Wörle. Er wurde am 2. Mai 1780 Bürger der Prager Altstadt und heirathete Eva Stokanek, mit der er drei Söhne und zwei Töchter hatte. Seine Werkstätte befand sich 1781 Husová t?. No. 227/I, im Jahre 1786 ?et?zová ul. No. 224, von 1789—1792 No. 222 und von 1805 an in der Goldenen Gasse No. 274. 1825—1826 war er Vorsteher der Geigenmacher-Zunft. Er arbeitete Anfangs nach Stainer und ging dann zu dem Stradivari-Modell über. Auch die Brescianer Meister ahmte er sehr geschickt nach. Seine Geigen sind nach der Form gemacht, haben gelben Spirituslack oder schönen Öllack und recht guten Ton. Es giebt aber auch minderwerthige, einfach weiss polirte Geigen mit seinem Namen, jedenfalls Fälschungen, da Willer ein gewissenhafter und vorzüglicher Meister war.
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