Joseph Anton Laske

History

Joseph Anton Laske (1738-1805) was born on March 18, 1738, in Rumburk and died on November 30, 1805, in Prague. He worked in various European cities including Dresden, Berlin, Vienna, and Brno before establishing himself in Prague from 1764. According to John Dilworth, he worked at the sign 'Au Petit Serpent d'Or' in Prague, Czech Republic. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff specifies his address as Malteserplatz No. 474, 'bei der goldenen Schlange' on the Prague Kleinseite, where he gained citizenship in 1765. He married Elisabeth Vogl in 1766, who passed away in 1768, and subsequently entered a second marriage with Ludmilla Libicky in 1779. His name also appeared as Laschke, Lasche, or Láška. He was held in high esteem in Bohemia and Poland, with Fétis reportedly stating that his instruments were preferred over those of Italian makers.

Craft

• Models: He utilized Stainer-derived models.
• Materials: His instruments were often made with plain materials.
• Varnish: Up to approximately 1790, he used a golden-brown varnish, later transitioning to a deep red-brown.
• Instruments: He produced bowed instruments of all forms, including violins, altos, violoncellos, violas d'amore, pochetten, harps, and mandolines. Cecie Stainer notes he was an excellent workman.

Influence

• Mentorship: He was a pupil of J. Kolditz, as stated by John Dilworth and Cecie Stainer. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff further specifies his teachers as Jac. Kolditz and Th. Hulinzky.
• Training: He travelled extensively, working under some of the best makers in Dresden, Berlin, Vienna, and Brünn.

Legacy

• Collections: A violin from 1765 (or possibly 1775) by Laske is located in the choir of the Braunauer Stiftskirche. The musikhistorisches Museum of Paul de Wit in Leipzig possesses a fine pocket violin made by him.
• Reputation: His instruments were particularly well-regarded in Bohemia, Saxony, and Poland.

Further Information

• Labels: Known labels include "Josephus Laske, Lauten und Geigen- / macher in Prag 17.." and "Josephus Antonius Laske / fecit Pragæ, Anno 1791".
• Workshop Location: He was established in Prague from 1764 at Malteserplatz No. 474, operating under the sign 'Au Petit Serpent d'Or' or 'bei der goldenen Schlange'.

Summary

Joseph Anton Laske (1738-1805) was a notable luthier who, after extensive training and work in various European cities, established his workshop in Prague from 1764. A pupil of J. Kolditz and Th. Hulinzky, he was known for his craftsmanship, utilizing Stainer-derived models and producing a wide array of bowed instruments including violins, violoncellos, and violas d'amore. His instruments, which featured an evolving varnish from golden-brown to deep red-brown, were highly esteemed in Bohemia, Saxony, and Poland, with Fétis reportedly stating they were preferred over those of Italian makers. Examples of his work are preserved in collections such as the Braunauer Stiftskirche and the musikhistorisches Museum of Paul de Wit.