Mittenwald School
Joseph Thomas (I) Klotz
Mittenwald, b. 1743
Joseph Thomas (I) Klotz, active from at least 1774 until after 1811, was a significant Mittenwald violin maker. While his parentage is a point of conflicting information, with sources identifying his father as either Sebastian or Egidius Klotz, he is widely recognized as a highly capable artist within the renowned Klotz family. He was known for his skilled craftsmanship, which included careful wood selection, good workmanship, flatter arching, beautifully curved F-holes, and instruments that produced a very good tone. His varnish was described as yellow or reddish, though one source disputes its quality. Despite a reported preference for working only part-time to pursue interests like hunting and fishing, he was consistently well-compensated for his violins. A notable violin and viola from 1792 are owned by the choir of the Stiftskirche in Laufen.
Auction price history
Highest auction price
22 results
| Type | Details | Auction house | Sold | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violin | 35.8 cm Mittenwald, 1780 c. | — | May 2011 | £4,261 |
| Viola | 38.6 cm Mittenwald, 1760 | — | October 2008 | £2,574 |
| Violin | 35.3 cm 1770 c. | — | March 2007 | £4,179 |
| Cello | 75.5 cm Mittenwald, late 18th C. Probably by | — | November 2006 | £14,400 |
| Violin | Mittenwald, 1800 | — | November 2005 | £5,921 |
| Violin | 1800 c. | — | May 2005 | £4,367 |
| Violin | Mittenwald, 1790 | — | February 2005 | £5,040 |
| Violin | Mittenwald, 1780 c. Attributed to | — | May 2004 | £2,629 |
| Violin | 1781 | — | June 2002 | £6,772 |
| Violin | 1790 | — | March 1999 | £3,500 |
| Violin | 1780 c. | — | November 1996 | £4,830 |
| Violin | 1770 c. | — | June 1996 | £2,760 |
| Violin | 1793 | — | March 1994 | £4,140 |
| Cello | 1778 | — | November 1993 | £6,900 |
| Violin | 1780 c. | — | March 1990 | £3,520 |
| Violin | 1805 | — | November 1989 | £3,300 |
| Violin | 1775 c. | — | November 1988 | £1,320 |
| Violin | 17-- | — | November 1988 | £1,320 |
| Violin | 1795 | — | July 1987 | £418 |
| Violin | 17-- | — | November 1986 | £2,750 |
| Violin | 1788 | — | March 1986 | £1,836 |
| Violin | 1791 | — | July 1985 | £540 |
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Maker Overview
Life
Joseph Thomas (I) Klotz (born 1743, died after 1811) was a distinguished violin maker from Mittenwald, Germany., and Cecie Stainer, he was the son and student of Sebastian Klotz, a prominent figure in the renowned Klotz family of luthiers. However, George Hart states that he was the son of Egidius. During his lifetime, Joseph Thomas (I) Klotz was known by the abbreviated name "Joseph Kl." His son, also named Joseph, was referred to as "Joseph Kl. jun." to distinguish them, a practice noted by Lütgendorff. Cecie Stainer confirms he was still working in Mittenwald in 1774, and John Dilworth indicates his activity is documented until at least 1809 through label dates.
Characteristics
- Materials
- (I) Klotz was careful in his selection of wood. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff also states that both his wood and workmanship were equally good.
- Methods
- His craftsmanship exhibited several distinct characteristics. His arching was generally flatter than that of most of his Mittenwald colleagues, who also noted his F-holes possessed a beautiful curve. John Dilworth further characterizes his work as typical Klotz style with low and medium arching. Cecie Stainer mentions that he also followed the Stainer pattern and attests to the very good tone of his instruments. Regarding varnish, Lütgendorff describes it as being of yellow or reddish color, and Dilworth specifies yellow varnish. However, Cecie Stainer states that he used varnish of poor quality, presenting a point of differing assessment regarding the varnish's quality.
- Joseph Klotz Laut. Geigen
macher in Mittenwald 1792John Dilworth - Joseph Kloz Senior in
Mittenwald 1809John Dilworth - No. 308 Joseph Kloz in Mittenwald
an der Iser, anno 1782John Dilworth - Josef Klotz
Mittenwald. anno 1797John Dilworth
Influence and legacy
- Famous Owners: A beautiful violin and a matching viola, both dated 1792, are currently owned by the choir of the Stiftskirche in Laufen.
Biographies
The overview above is drawn from the following published accounts. Read them in the original:
John Dilworth+
KLOTZ, Joseph Thomas (I) Born 1743, d. after 1811 Mittenwald Germany Son of Sebastian Klotz, below. Very inconsistent work, presumably made for sale in different grades. Typical Klotz style with low and medium arching and yellow varnish. Joseph Klotz Laut. Geigen / macher in Mittenwald 1792 Joseph Kloz Senior in / Mittenwald 1809 No. 308 Joseph Kloz in Mittenwald / an der Iser, anno 1782 Josef Klotz / Mittenwald. anno 1797
George Hart+
Son of Egidius.
Cecie Stainer+
Son of Sebastian Klotz. Was still working in Mittenwald in 1774. Also followed the Stainer pattern. He was careful in his selection of wood and his instruments have a very good tone, but he used varnish of poor quality.
Willibald Leo Lütgendorff+
Er nannte sich kurzweg Joseph Kl. und war ein Sohn (und Schüler) von
Sebastian Kl. und Regina Mayr. (Sein Sohn Joseph nannte sich zu Lebzeiten
des Vaters Joseph Kl. jun.) Einer der tüchtigsten Geigenmacher der ganzen
Familie, ein echter Künstler, bei dem zu bedauern ist, dass er nicht allzu viel
gemacht hat. Man erzählt sich, dass er nur an drei Tagen der Woche gearbeitet
und die übrige Zeit der Jagd und der Fischerei gewidmet habe. Er
konnte sich das erlauben, denn seine Geigen wurden ihm stets sehr gut bezahlt.
Holz und Arbeit sind bei ihm gleichmässig gut; die Wölbung nimmt er flacher
als die meisten seiner Mittenwalder Genossen; die F-Löcher haben schönen Schwung, sein Lack ist von gelber oder röthlicher Farbe. Eine schöne Violine und eine dazu passende Viola besitzt der Chor der Stiftskirche in Laufen (aus dem Jahre
1792).
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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
Aegidius Klotz 1733–1805
Alois Mathias Fichtl 1764–1810
Andreas Feyrer worked 1789
Andreas Hornsteiner worked 1786–1810
Andres Forgues worked 1774