Nuremberg School
Martin Leopold (Leopold II) Widhalm
Nuremberg, 1747–1806
Martin Leopold (Leopold II) WIDHALM (1747-1806) was a prominent German luthier from Nuremberg, known for his diligent craftsmanship and instruments inspired by Jacob Stainer. As the son and pupil of Leopold Widhalm, he continued the family tradition, producing violins, lutes, harps, and violas. His work is characterized by clean execution, elegant arching, and a distinctive dark reddish-brown or pale red varnish. Despite some conflicting historical dates, his instruments, often branded 'L. W.', remain highly regarded and are found in significant collections.
Auction price history
Highest auction price
| Type | Details | Sold | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violin | 35.6 cm Nuremberg, 1785 c. | October 2007 | £5,250 |
| Violin | 35.6 cm Nuremberg, 1780 c. [Probably by] | July 2006 | £1,440 |
| Violin | 35.6 cm 1790 | June 2006 | £1,680 |
| Viola | 40.3 cm Nuremberg, 1766 [Probably by] | February 2006 | £1,560 |
| Violin | Nuremberg, 1783 (head later) | November 2005 | £3,600 |
| Violin | Germany, 1796 c. | April 2005 | £940 |
| Cello | Nüremberger, 1792 | February 2005 | £9,000 |
| Violin | Nüremberger, 1780 c. | February 2005 | £1,560 |
| Violin | Nurnberg, 1785 c. | April 2004 | £4,039 |
Maker Overview
Life
Martin Leopold (Leopold II) WIDHALM (1747-1806) was a skilled German master of the 18th century., he was active around 1720 and possibly after 1800, though Lütgendorff notes that this is uncertain due to frequently falsified dates on his labels, which would suggest an impossibly long life. John Dilworth, however, states that Martin Leopold Widhalm was born in 1747 and died in 1806 in Nuremberg, Germany. He resided in the Nuremberg suburb of Wöhrd in 1788 and is said to have worked extensively for monasteries. He was highly regarded in his time, and his well-sounding violins remain sought after today.
Characteristics
- Model
- He adopted Jacob Stainer as his model, utilizing a large model for his instruments. For his violas, he retained the older model with a flat back.
- Workmanship
- His work was very clean and careful, with elegant arching and well-chosen wood. The scroll, often made of pearwood, was impeccably carved. John Dilworth notes that his work was generally less refined than his father's, featuring higher arching and slightly uneven purfling. The scroll was markedly wide across the eyes.
- Varnish
- The varnish was thinly applied, dark reddish-brown in color, and possessed a high luster. George Hart describes the varnish as excellent, though lacking the delicacy of Stainer's, and mostly pale red. Dilworth mentions that he retained a fine varnish, although some instruments appear to have a thinner, harder recipe.
- Instruments
- Besides violins, he also crafted various types of lutes and even harps, which were reportedly very good. He was very diligent, and many of his works are still found today. The Germanisches Museum in Nürnberg possesses a theorbe from 1757 and a violin from 1769. A beautiful, large alto from 1777 is part of the Snoeck collection in Berlin.
- Branded internally, with or without double-headed eagle: ‘LW’ Leopold Widhalm Lauten- und
Geigenmacher in Nürnberg, fecit A. 1789John Dilworth
Influence and legacy
- Mentorship: He was the son, pupil, and successor of Leopold Widhalm.
- Inspiration: He took Jacob Stainer as his primary model for instrument construction.
- Continuity: He was the successor to his father, Leopold Widhalm, and continued using his father's label.
- Collections: His instruments are held in notable collections, including a theorbe from 1757 and a violin from 1769 in the Germanisches Museum in Nürnberg, and a large alto from 1777 from the Snoeck collection in Berlin.
- Reputation: His instruments are still sought after today due to their good sound.
Biographies
The overview above is drawn from the following published accounts. Read them in the original:
John Dilworth+
WIDHALM, Martin Leopold (Leopold II) Born 1747, died 1806 Nuremberg Germany. Son, pupil, and successor of Leopold Widhalm, above. Continued with his father’s label. Work in general less refined than that of his father, with higher arching and slightly uneven purfling. Scroll markedly wide across the eyes. Retained the fine varnish, although some instruments appear to have a thinner harder recipe. Branded internally, with or without double-headed eagle: ‘LW’ Leopold Widhalm Lauten- und / Geigenmacher in Nürnberg, fecit A. 1789
George Hart+
One of the best imitators of Stainer. The wood is frequently handsome, the work finished with great care. Varnish, although wanting the delicacy of Stainer, is excellent; its colour is mostly pale red. Nearly all his instruments are branded with the initials inside. His name has hitherto been spelt Withalm.
Willibald Leo Lütgendorff+
Ein tüchtiger deutscher Meister des 18. Jahrhunderts. Er soll schon um 1720 und soll noch nach 1800 gelebt haben, doch ist dies noch nicht sicher festgestellt; eine gewisse Verwirrung ist wohl dadurch entstanden, dass auf seinen echten Zetteln häufig gefälschte Jahreszahlen vorkommen, nach denen er ein übermenschlich hohes Alter erreicht haben müsste. Er nahm sich Stainer zum Vorbild, hatte ein grosses Modell und arbeitete sehr sauber; die Wölbung ist elegant, das Holz gut gewählt, die Schnecke (meist aus Birnbaum) tadellos geschnitten. Der Lack ist dünn aufgetragen, von dunkelrothbrauner Farbe und hohem Glanz. Er wohnte 1788 in der Nürnberger Vorstadt Wöhrd und soll viel für Klöster gearbeitet haben. Bei seinen Violen behielt er das alte Modell mit flachem Boden bei. Ausser Geigen machte er auch alle Arten von Lauten und selbst Harfen, die sehr gut gewesen sein sollen. Da er sehr fleissig war, findet man noch häufig Arbeiten von ihm; u. A. besitzt das Germanische Museum in Nürnberg eine Theorbe von 1757 und eine Geige von 1769; ein schöner, grosser Alto von 1777 findet sich aus der Sammlung Snoeck in Berlin. Ausser verschiedenartigen Zetteln gebrauchte er auch die Brandmarke L. W. Er stand seiner Zeit in hohem Ansehen, und da seine Geigen gut klingen, sind sie auch heute noch gesucht. Vgl. auch Meusel’s Künstlerlexikon.
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Working in Nuremberg at the same time
Gallus Ignatius Widhalm 1752–1822
Joseph Hollmayr 1737–1795
Laurenz Sebastian Kandler worked 1793
Leopold (I) Widhalm 1722–1776