Violin by Johannes Kulik
Musical Instrument (Violin) • Johannes Kulik (Prague-based luthier)
Style & Movement
Biedermeier / Early Romantic Period Central European Instrument Making
Medium & Technique
Carved maple, spruce, and ebony woods; traditional luthier construction with hand-applied varnish and fitted metal strings.
Creation Period
1839
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 59 cm in length (Standard 4/4 Full Size); vertical portrait orientation as displayed.
Subject Description
A functional orchestral and folk string instrument featuring a classic violin silhouette with f-holes, a carved scroll (out of view but implied), and a warm amber-hued varnish. It represents the height of 19th-century Czech craftsmanship.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the instrument appears structurally sound, well-preserved for its age, and maintained for museum display.
Estimated Market Value
$10,000 - $25,000 USD (Based on auction records for Johannes Kulik instruments and their utility in professional orchestras).
Auction Estimate
$8,000 - $15,000 USD
Provenance History
Formerly in the Walter Erdmann Collection; currently part of a museum collection (as indicated by the professional display and informational plaque).
Art Historical Significance
Johannes Kulik was a prominent member of the Prague school of luthiers. This piece is significant for its versatility, documented here as having been used in symphonic, Klezmer, and Arabic ensembles, illustrating the cross-cultural migration of European instruments.
Notable Features
Includes a museum label identifying the specific maker and provenance; notable for its association with the Walter Erdmann Collection and its documented history across diverse musical genres.
Condition Issues
Minor surface abrasions and slight varnish thinning consistent with age and active play-life. No visible cracks in the soundboard or bouts from the frontal view.
Conservation Recommendations
Maintain strict climate control (45-55% humidity) to prevent wood cracking; display under low UV lighting to prevent varnish oxidation.