Jan Baptista Dvořák , Praha 1881

Jan Baptista Dvořák (1825-1890) apprenticed at Jan Kulík. After that he worked in Pest at J. B. Schweitzer, in Vienna at A. Hofmann, at F. Patzelt and finally in Prague at I. Sandner. In 1847 after Sandner’s death he overtook his workshop. J. B. Dvořák was the founder of the important violin makers dynasty of Dvořáks. He tought his two sons K. B. Dvořák and Jaroslav Dvořák. Besides them other makers who became later famous worked in his workshop: Tomas Zach, F. A. Homolka. J. B. Dvořák never reached the perfection of his teacher. Nevertheless, for his characteristic style he is today highly valued not only in our country but also abroad.

This violin built after model Guarneri del Gesú matches well Dvořák’s style of the 1880s when he worked less precisely and his instruments win on authenticity and look very impressive, similar as those by Guarneri del Gesú.

It is in pure condition free of cracks, apart from an insensitive repair at the back’s button, carried out by Benjamin Patočka in 1915 as evidenced by the hand written note in the interior. Nevertheless, the violin is very handsome carriyng much of the orange original varnish worn off naturally and forming nice patterns.

Besides typical workmanship and very good condition a big strength of this violin is its great sound, powerful and colourful as usual at good old instruments. It is also very easy to play.