Kaidling School
Mathias Daum
Kaidling, 1789–1855
Mathias Daum (1789-1855) was a highly regarded Austrian violin maker, born in Kaidling, Czech Republic. He trained under Franz Jos. Wassermann and Michael Stadlmann, inheriting Stadlmann's tools and wood supplies after his death. Daum was known for using high-quality materials and fine varnish, producing violins characterized by a strong, even tone and beautiful form, earning him recognition as the best maker of the Viennese school.
Maker Overview
Life
Mathias Daum (1789-1855) was born in 1789 in Kaidling, Czech Republic, and died in 1855 in Wiener-Neustadt, Austria. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff notes that he was the son of a school teacher. Daum worked for Johann Ertl in Vienna from 1809 to 1811, and subsequently for Michael Stadlmann from 1812 to 1813, remaining with Stadlmann until his death. Lütgendorff states that Stadlmann promised Daum his violin-making tools, shop fittings, and wood supplies, which Daum indeed inherited, considering him "the only subject who managed the business during his illness and stayed with him until the end." On June 3, 1813, Daum requested official permission to take over Magnus Eberle's workshop in Wiener-Neustadt, which was granted on June 11. He took the citizen's oath on February 14, 1814, and married Anna Pflieger on June 17, 1821, with whom he had six children. His name also appears as Thaum.
Characteristics
- Workmanship
- Mathias Daum was recognized as the best maker of the Viennese school.
- Materials
- He utilized materials of the highest quality and fine varnish.
- Quality
- Willibald Leo Lütgendorff describes him as a capable master, equal to the best Viennese makers.
- Characteristics
- His violins are distinguished by a strong, even tone and beautiful form.
- General Assessment
- Cecie Stainer notes that he did good work.
Influence and legacy
- Mentorship: was a pupil of Josef Wassermann and Michel Stalmann in Vienna. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff specifies his training under Franz Jos. Wassermann in Znaim and Michael Stadlmann.
- Early Career: He worked for Johann Ertl in Vienna from 1809 to 1811, as detailed by Lütgendorff.
Biographies
The overview above is drawn from the following published accounts. Read them in the original:
John Dilworth+
DAUM, Mathias Born 1789 Kaidling Czech Republic, died 1855 Wiener-Neustadt Austria. Pupil of Josef Wassermann and Michel Stalmann in Vienna. Then worked for Ertl before settling in Wiener-Neustedt. Recognised as the best maker of the Viennese school. Materials of the highest quality and fine varnish.
Cecie Stainer+
b. 1789 ; d. 1855. A maker in Vienna. Did good work.
Willibald Leo Lütgendorff+
Sohn eines Schullehrers und Schüler von Franz Jos. Wassermann in Znaim. Von 1809—1811 arbeitete er bei Johann Ertl in Wien und von 1812-1813 bei Michael Stadlmann, bei dem er bis zu dessen Tode geblieben war. Stadlmann versprach ihm »als dem einzigen Subjecte, welches ihm das Geschäft während der Krankheit führte und bis an’s Ende bei ihm ausharrte«, sein Geigenmacherwerkzeug und die Gewölbe(Laden-)Einrichtung sammt Holzvorräthen, die er auch wirklich erbte. Damals hatte Magnus Eberle seine Werkstatt in Wiener-Neustadt aufgegeben, wesshalb Daum am 3. Juni 1813 bat, ihm dessen Gewerbe obrigkeitlich zu verleihen, was ihm bereits am 11. Juni bewilligt wurde. Am 14. Febr. 1814 legte er den Bürgereid ab und heirathete am 17. Juni 1821 die Bürgerstochter Anna Pflieger, von der er sechs Kinder bekam. Er war ein tüchtiger
Meister und war den besten Wienern ebenbürtig Geigen von ihm zeichnen sich durch kräftigen, gleichmässigen Ton und schöne Form aus. — Sein Name kommt auch »Thaum« geschrieben vor.
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