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Vienna School

Daniel Acheteus Stadlmann

Vienna, 1680–1744

Daniel Acheteus STADLMANN (1680-1744) was a highly regarded Viennese violin maker, known for his exceptional imitation of the Jacob Stainer model.

Worked Vienna
Made Violin

Auction price history

Highest auction price

£10,200
Type Details Sold Price
Violin Labelled Daniel Achatius Stadlmann Lauten und Geigenmacher in Wienn An. 1757 October 2024 £10,200
Violin Vienna, 1734 May 2005 £2,422

Maker Overview

Life

Daniel Acheteus STADLMANN (1680-1744) took the citizen's oath on August 5, 1707, and resided in the so-called Stuben-Viertel in Vienna.

Characteristics

Model
He was known for very fine and accurate work based on the Jacob Stainer model, though Henri Poidras notes that the belly was much more arched than the back.
Wood
His wood is described as very beautiful, with one- and two-piece backs nearly always featuring a pretty figure, often in bird's-eye maple.
Arching
The arching was of medium height, not unnecessarily exaggerated, though Willibald Leo Lütgendorff noted he worked the top a little too thin.
Varnish
His varnish is described as very beautiful, often of a high yellow color, possibly amber varnish, or a turbid golden-yellow. George Hart notes it as thin, sometimes yellow. John Dilworth also mentions a darker red-brown varnish of good texture and consistency.
Purfling
He frequently used double purfling, a style associated with Brescian makers.
Scroll
His scrolls were neatly cut, concentric, and well-balanced.
Working Method
He constructed his violins over a form.
Branding and Labels
Some instruments are branded 'D.A.S.' and bear the label: 'Daniel Achatius Stadlmann, / Lauten- und Geigenmacher / in Wienn. An.1739'.
Recorded labels
  • Some instruments branded: ‘D.A.S.’ Daniel Achatius Stadlmann,
    Lauten- und Geigenmacher
    in Wienn. An.1739John Dilworth

Influence and legacy

  • Stylistic Influence: He was considered the best imitator of Jacob Stainer, with his work closely following the Stainer model.
  • Geographic Influence: His use of double purfling, a characteristic favored by Brescian makers, suggests he may have traveled to Italy during his journeyman years and learned techniques there.
  • Reputation: Daniel Acheteus Stadlmann is recognized as one of the best Viennese violin makers.
  • Misappropriation: His name and label were regularly abused by commercial dealers for inferior, factory-produced work.
  • Preservation: Instruments by him are preserved in significant collections, including the Royal Collection in Berlin, the Braunau Collegiate Church, the Benedictine Abbey of St. Margareth near Prague, and Paul de Wit's music-historical museum in Leipzig.
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Biographies

The overview above is drawn from the following published accounts. Read them in the original:

John Dilworth+

STADLMANN, Daniel Acheleus Born 1680, died 1744 Vienna Austria. Very fine and accurate work on Stainer model. Arching of medium height, not exaggerated unnecessarily. Neatly cut concentric and well-balanced scroll. Turbid golden-yellow varnish, although sometimes a darker red-brown of good texture and consistency. Handsome materials. One- and two-piece backs nearly always of pretty figure, often in bird’s-eye maple. The name and label regularly abused by commercial dealers for inferior factory produced work. Some instruments branded: ‘D.A.S.’ Daniel Achatius Stadlmann, / Lauten- und Geigenmacher / in Wienn. An.1739

Cecie Stainer+

b. 1680: d Oct. 27, 1744. A maker in Vienna, who showed great ability in imitating the Stainer pattern ; he used thin varnish of a deep amber colour; the work is well finished.

George Hart+

Good work, model of Jacob Stainer. Thin varnish, sometimes yellow colour.

Willibald Leo Lütgendorff+

Er legte am 5. August 1707 den Bürgereid ab und wohnte im sogenannten Stuben-Viertel. Er gehört zu den besten Wiener Geigenmachern und galt als der beste Nachahmer Stainer’s. Sein Holz ist sehr schön; nur arbeitete er die Decke ein wenig zu dünn aus. Auch sein Lack von hochgelber Farbe (wahrscheinlich Bernsteinlack) ist sehr schön, so dass man annehmen kann, dass er auf seiner Wanderschaft bis nach Italien gekommen ist und dort Manches gelernt hat. Dafür spricht auch, dass er gerne doppelte Einlagen wie die Brescianer sie liebten, anwendete. Er arbeitete seine Geigen über die Form und nahm die Wölbung der Decke höher als die des Bodens, (der mitunter aus Vogelahorn besteht). Er war ein fleissiger, vielbeschäftigter Meister, und man findet Geigen von ihm in vielen Sammlungen und Orchestern. Die kgl. Sammlung in Berlin bewahrt eine Viola di Bordone mit eigenartigen Schalllöchern und schön geschnitzter Rose von ihm (No. 843). Die Braunauer Stiftskirche besitzt eine Geige von ihm aus dem Jahre 1724. Eine Geige mit dem gleichen Zettel aus dem gleichen Jahr besitzt auch das Benedictinerstift St. Margareth b. Prag, eine Viola Baryton das musik-historische Museum Paul de Wit’s in Leipzig.

Henri Poidras+

Vienna 1680-1744. Stainer model. Good make. Yellow varnish recalling the Italian. The belly is much more arched than the back.

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