Louis Lowendall, Artist violin, 1885

This antique Lowendall violin, which was crafted in 1885 by Louis Löwenthal, has an unusually powerful sound and was patterned after a Guarneri model. Löwenthal was a successful luthier who was known internationally under the name "Louis Lowendall"; he is considered one of the most interesting figures amongst the craftsmen and entrepreneurs of his day. In 1855 in Berlin, he established the "Lowendall Star Works" brand and sold instruments and bows made by outstanding journeymen and highly respected masters such as Heinrich Knopf. It exported products to the U.S., where the cosmopolitan Lowendall maintained excellent business relations and friendships with noteworthy people such as the legendary German-American master George Gemunder. Lowendall's Dresden workshop was home to many exceptionally interesting and valuable pieces which reflect his talent and well-developed sensitivity as a violin maker, and this instrument is no exception. With its diagonally positioned and characteristically shaped sound holes, it is easily identifiable as a model designed by Guarneri, whose instruments had such an impressive sound that they became some of the most widely-imitated works amongst classic Italian violins. The purfling along the accentuated edges is very finely done; the reddish-brown varnish has developed a lovely patina, and together with the interesting traces of age, these features give the violin a charming historic appearance. Its provenance is confirmed by the dated and signed original label in the body and the stamp “Lowendall Artist Violin" on the back of the peg box. With very minor repairs to the rib and f-wing, this perfectly preserved instrument was thoroughly set up by our restoration specialists, who gave it new premium rosewood fittings. It is ready to play, and we recommend this Lowendall violin with its highly responsive voice and its large sound full of volume that is strong and warm.

 

 

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