Mittenwald School
Aegidius Klotz
Mittenwald, 1733–1805
Aegidius Klotz (1733-1805) was a prominent Mittenwald violin maker, son of Sebastian Klotz. He is recognized for his refined work, often following a Stainer/Amati model, and for using good quality varnishes and materials. While Cecie Stainer suggests he was a pupil of Stainer and the first violin maker in his family, Willibald Leo Lütgendorff notes that he sometimes lacked care and, like other Klotz family members, often used Stainer's labels.
Auction price history
Highest auction price
| Type | Details | Sold | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Viola | Labelled Aegidius Kloz in Mittenvvald an der Iser 1780 | March 2025 | £5,013 |
| Violin | Labelled Aegidius Kloz in ..., two-piece back of light curl, varnish of a red brown colour, fair condition | March 2025 | £4,041 |
| Violin | 35.6 cm Mittenwald, 1790 c. [Probably by] | April 2011 | £3,000 |
| Violin | 35.3 cm Mittenwald, 1799 c. | March 2011 | £3,840 |
| Viola | 39.3 cm 1775 | October 2010 | £5,400 |
| Violin | 35.6 cm Mittenwald, 1770 c. [Probably by] | February 2010 | £1,924 |
| Violin | 35.8 cm 18th C. [Ascribed to] | December 2009 | £3,679 |
| Violin | 35.8 cm Mittenwald, 1701 | May 2009 | £3,882 |
| Violin | 35.1 cm Mittenwald, 1785 | November 2008 | £7,085 |
| Violin | 35.5 cm Mittenwald, 1774 | November 2008 | £6,187 |
| Violin | 35.9 cm 1770 c. [Attributed to] | June 2008 | £1,440 |
| Violin | 35.6 cm Mittenwald, 1770 c. | March 2008 | £2,691 |
| Violin | 35.8 cm Mittenwald, 1770 c. | March 2008 | £4,095 |
| Violin | 35.6 cm Mittenwald, 1770 c. | March 2008 | £3,705 |
| Violin | 35.3 cm Mittenwald, 1788 | October 2007 | £4,000 |
| Violin | 35.3 cm Mittenwald, 1780 c. | February 2006 | £6,600 |
| Violin | Mittenwald, late-18th C. | November 2005 | £3,948 |
| Violin | Mittenwald, 1776 | November 2005 | £5,400 |
| Violin | Mittenwald, 1799 | November 2005 | £4,342 |
| Violin | Mittenwald, 1792 | November 2005 | £3,474 |
| Violin | Mittenwald, 1770 | November 2004 | £7,767 |
| Violin | Mittenwald, 1780 c. | March 2004 | £6,572 |
| Violin | 1800 c. | June 2003 | £4,166 |
| Violin | 17-- | November 2001 | £3,680 |
| Viola | 39.0 cm 1772 | November 1999 | £3,000 |
| Viola | 38.6 cm 1670 | November 1999 | £2,839 |
| Violin | 1799 | October 1999 | £1,719 |
| Violin | 1770 | May 1999 | £1,548 |
| Viola | 38.4 cm 1799 | November 1998 | £2,875 |
| Violin | 1790 c. | November 1998 | £2,300 |
| Violin | 1790 c. | November 1998 | £2,563 |
| Violin | 1770 c. | June 1998 | £2,300 |
| Cello | 17-- | March 1998 | £2,070 |
| Violin | 1774 | November 1997 | £2,990 |
| Violin | 1789 | November 1996 | £3,220 |
| Violin | 1775-99 | June 1995 | £1,035 |
| Violin | 1731 | October 1994 | £1,610 |
| Violin | 1790 | June 1994 | £4,370 |
| Violin | 1770 | June 1994 | £2,530 |
| Violin | 1774 | March 1994 | £4,600 |
| Violin | 1760 c. | March 1994 | £6,440 |
| Violin | 1764 | October 1993 | £6,900 |
| Violin | 1770 | March 1992 | £4,180 |
| Violin | 1795 | March 1992 | £2,035 |
| Cello | 1775-99 | November 1988 | £7,150 |
| Viola | 38.9 cm 1780 c. | November 1983 | £3,300 |
| Viola | 39.8 cm 17-- | April 1983 | £2,376 |
Maker Overview
Life
Aegidius Klotz (1733-1805) was born in 1733 and died in 1805 in Mittenwald, Germany, as documented by John Dilworth. He was the son of Sebastian Klotz, a fact noted by both John Dilworth and Willibald Leo Lütgendorff. Klotz is regarded as one of the best of the large family of Mittenwald makers. Lütgendorff also states that he was married to Anna Gerblin and was still a member of the inner council in Mittenwald in 1799. An earlier Aegidius (I) proposed by Henley is not supported elsewhere and is probably based on a misread or falsified label.
Characteristics
- Workmanship
- He produced very refined work on a characteristic Stainer/Amati model with a medium high arch.
- F-holes & Pegbox
- The nicks on his 'f' holes were set a little high, typically featuring a short swan-necked pegbox and a tightly-wound volute.
- Varnish
- He used several varnishes, mostly of good quality and consistency.
- Materials & Tone
- Cecie Stainer states that he followed the Stainer pattern, using good wood and amber-coloured varnish, and his instruments have a fine full tone and are well finished.
- Care
- Willibald Leo Lütgendorff, however, noted that he often lacked the necessary care in his work.
- Aegidius Kloz in Mitten-
vvald an der Iser, 1785John Dilworth
Influence and legacy
- Training: Cecie Stainer suggests he was probably a pupil of Stainer in Absam, returning to Mittenwald, his native place, to work.
- Family Precedence: He was the first member of his family to make violins.
- Labeling: His instruments were signed with his name. However, Willibald Leo Lütgendorff states that he, like other members of the Klotz family, frequently used Stainer's labels.
Biographies
The overview above is drawn from the following published accounts. Read them in the original:
John Dilworth+
KLOTZ, Aegidius Born 1733, died 1805 Mittenwald Germany. Son of Sebastian Klotz, below. Regarded as one of the best of this large family of Mittenwald makers. Very refined work on a characteristic Stainer/Amati model with medium high arch. Nicks set a little high on the ‘f’, typically with short swan-necked pegbox and tightly-wound volute. Used several varnishes, mostly of good quality and consistency. An earlier Aegidius (I) proposed by Henley is not supported elsewhere and is probably based on a misread or falsified label. Aegidius Kloz in Mitten- / vvald an der Iser, 1785 [Layer, Baader]
George Hart+
Brother of Sebastian.
Cecie Stainer+
Was probably a pupil of Stainer in Absam, returning to Mittenwald, his native place, to work. He was the first member of this family to make violins. He followed the Stainer pattern, using good wood and amber-coloured varnish; his instruments have a fine full tone, are well finished, and are signed with his name.
Willibald Leo Lütgendorff+
Sohn des Sebastian Kl. Einer der besten Geigenmacher seiner Zeit, wenn
er es auch oft an der nöthigen Sorgfalt fehlen liess. Er ahmte Stainer nach
und dürfte viele seiner Arbeiten mit Stainers Zettel versehen haben, was leider
auch von den übrigen Mitgliedern der Familie Klotz fleissig geübt wurde. Er war
mit Anna Gerblin verheirathet und sass noch 1799 im innern Rath zu Mittenwald.
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Family
Working in Mittenwald at the same time
(Boller) Anton (I) Poller b. 1766
(Boller) Korbinian Poller worked 1770–1790
(Johann) Ulrich Poller worked 1775–1790
Alois Mathias Fichtl 1764–1810
Andreas Feyrer worked 1789
Andreas Gasler worked 1736–1755
Andreas Hornsteiner worked 1786–1810
Andreas Jais 1685–1753