Probably Georg (I) Carl Klotz: fine Mittenwald violin from around 1720-1740 (Certificate Hieronymus Köstler

Georg Carl (I) Klotz (als written as Georg Kloz), also known as Giorgio Klotz or Georg Kloz I, first son and direct descendant of Mathias Klotz, and brother of Sebastian Klotz, was indubitably one of the finest masters of his family, a dynasty of luthiers that shaped the art of violin making in 17th and 18th century Mittenwald like none other. This violin was made during the time Georg’s father, Mathias Klotz was still active, who is considered the founding father of Mittenwald violin making. This fine stringed instrument is thus a dynamic and expressive item from the annals of southern German violin-making. As the first son of Mathias Klotz and brother of the great Sebastian Klotz, Georg Kloz was still strongly influenced by his father and teacher’s style, particularly in the early years. It is the work of a luthier who was brilliantly trained and highly talented, who supposedly worked at a time in Italy, and its shows precision and great faithfulness to the unmistakable model developed with his brother Sebastian. The purfling shows the greatest precision and care: the small baroque sound holes form a charming contrast to the large scroll. Made of premium evenly-grained spruce and subtly flamed maple, the magnificent appearance of this instrument is defined by the inimitable aesthetic of its luminous original varnish. As is fitting for a heavily played instrument of such an advanced age, the violin shows multiple traces of use and evidence of restoration including a sound post patch on the top, all of which were performed professionally and with the greatest attention to detail. This certified 1720-1740 Mittenwald violin was worthy of such painstaking treatment not only because of its historic importance, but also due to its nuanced, sweet sound with a voice specific to older stringed instruments. This fine violin is offered with a certificate by Stuttgart expert Hieronymus Köstler certifying it was made under the influence of Mathias Klotz that is included in the price.