Fussen School
Nicolaus Dopfer
Fussen, 1714–1788
Nicolaus Dopfer (1714-1788) was a highly respected German luthier, born in Füssen and active in Mainz, where he served as instrument maker to the Court.
Auction price history
Highest auction price
| Type | Details | Sold | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violin | 1778 | July 2003 | £470 |
Maker Overview
Life
Nicolaus Dopfer (1714-1788) was born in 1714 in Füssen and died in 1788 in Mainz, Germany.
Characteristics
- Style
- His work is in the Klotz style, with Staineresque arching and soundhole models, and outlines that recall Stainer.
- Arching
- The arching is often without a hollow, rising directly from the edge, which makes it appear higher than it actually is.
- Edges
- Instruments feature small edges.
- Soundholes
- The soundholes are small but well cut, elegant, and narrow, following a Staineresque model.
- Pegbox & Scroll
- The pegbox is rather swan-necked, topped with a small scroll that has an extended last turn. The scroll is often made of pearwood and is described as having a pretty swing.
- Workmanship
- His instruments are neatly finished, precise, and generally well made, indicating a very capable and respected artist.
- Wood
- The wood used is of good quality.
- Varnish
- Sources describe his varnish as thin and not transparent, ranging from dark red to almost black-brown. Other accounts mention a brown or yellow-brown varnish, noting that the yellow-brown is better.
- Tone
- The tone of his instruments is described as excellent.
- Instrument Characteristics
- His violas are considered very worthwhile. Cellos feature very long centre bouts and small corners. He also made a few large tenors.
- Label
- His printed label is in gothic type and reads: "Nicolaus Döpfer / Kurfsl-Maynzischer Hoflauten und / Geigen-macher 17..".
- Printed label in gothic type: Nicolaus Döpfer
Kurfsl-Maynzischer Hoflauten und
Geigen-macher 17..John Dilworth
Influence and legacy
- Mentorship: Nicolaus Dopfer was the master of Martin Diel.
- Family & School Founding: He was the father-in-law of both Martin Diehl and Jacob Steininger, and is effectively recognized as the founder of the Mainz school of violin makers.
- Founding Role: Nicolaus Dopfer is effectively considered the founder of the Mainz school of violin makers.
- Court Appointment: He held the prestigious position of instrument maker to the Court in Mainz.
Biographies
The overview above is drawn from the following published accounts. Read them in the original:
John Dilworth+
DÖPFER, Nicolaus Born 1714 Füssen, died 1788 Mainz Germany. Father-in-law of Martin Diehl and Jacob Steininger, and effectively the founder of the Mainz school of violin makers. Appointed instrument maker to the Court in Mainz. Work in the Klotz style: small edges, Staineresque arching and soundhole model, rather swan-necked pegbox topped with small scroll having extended last turn. Neatly finished and precise, but the varnish is thin and not transparent, dark red to almost black-brown. Violas very worthwhile. Cellos with very long centre bouts and small corners. Printed label in gothic type: Nicolaus Döpfer / Kurfsl-Maynzischer Hoflauten und / Geigen-macher 17.. [Michels]
George Hart+
The instruments of this maker are well made; the model is less raised than that of many German makers. He made a few large Tenors. Dopfer was the master of Martin Diel.
Cecie Stainer+
A maker in Mayence about 1750-68. His instruments are well made, slightly arched, the sound-holes small but well cut, the varnish is brown. A few tenors of his are known.
Willibald Leo Lütgendorff+
Ein sehr tüchtiger, angesehener Künstler, der kurfürstlich mainzischer Hofgeigenmacher
war. Seine Geigen sind gut gearbeitet, haben grosses Patron und erinnern in den Umrisslinien an Stainer. Da er die Wölbung meist ohne Hohlkehle gleich vom Rande aus ansteigen liess, sieht sie höher aus, als sie eigentlich ist. Das Holz ist gut, der Ton vorzüglich. Die Schnecke, oft aus Birnbaumholz, ist hübsch im Schwung; auch die F-Löcher sind elegant und schmal. Weniger gut ist sein brauner, besser sein gelbbrauner Lack. Er war der Schwiegervater von Diehl und Steininger. In einer Frankfurter Matrikel
wird sein Name irrthümlich Doppler geschrieben. Eine Altgeige von ihm aus
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Working in Fussen at the same time
Anton Wachter worked 1769–1789
Christoph Entzensperger 1670–1747
Francois (Franz Placidus) Fent 1733–1796
Franz Geissenhof 1753–1821
Giorgio Bairhoff 1712–1763
Jacob Lechleitner worked 1774
Johann (II) Endras 1672–1739