Emanuel Adam Homolka, Velvary, 1846

Bohemian violin by Emanuel Adam Homolka, Velvary, 1846

Emanuel Adam Homolka made this violin in Velvary, near Prague, in 1846. Dating from the final years of his career, it displays the full experience of a master of the Prague school of violin making. It also has a remarkable history: for 41 years, the violin was played at the Semperoper in Dresden, one of Europe’s most historic opera houses.

Emanuel Adam Homolka was born in Velvary on 24 December 1796. In 1808, he went to Prague to apprentice with Caspar Strnad, one of the most highly regarded violin makers of his day. He remained in Strnad’s workshop for more than a decade, first as an apprentice and later as an assistant. An experienced master, he returned to Velvary and established his own workshop there. He trained his younger brothers, Václav and Ferdinand Josef. Josef Urban, who later emigrated to San Francisco, was also his pupil. Homolka thus founded one of Bohemia’s most important violin-making dynasties. His son Ferdinand August Homolka continued the tradition in Prague and is now regarded as one of the best-known Czech violin makers of the 19th century. Emanuel Adam Homolka died in Prague in 1849.

The violin has an elegant, harmonious outline, with finely worked corners and neatly set purfling. The table is of evenly grained spruce, with growth rings widening slightly towards the flanks. The f-holes are gracefully shaped and cleanly cut. The maple back displays lively, cloud-like figuring, while the ribs are attractively flamed. The entire body is covered with a warm golden-brown to orange varnish that glows deeply in the light. The scroll is particularly expressive: powerfully and deeply carved, with cleanly worked chamfers. The assured hand of the master is clearly evident. The playing wear on the back bears witness to decades on the opera stage and gives the instrument its naturally developed character.

The violin’s tone is powerful yet exceptionally well balanced. The lower strings provide a warm, sustaining foundation; the middle register is rounded, while the upper register is clear and brilliant. The violin responds directly and projects effortlessly, while allowing for finely nuanced shaping. Its more than four decades of use in the Semperoper orchestra attest to its qualities as a professional instrument. It is equally suited to orchestral, chamber and solo playing.

The violin is in very good, well-maintained condition.

A violin of this kind is best experienced in the hand. I would be delighted to welcome you to my showroom in Hildesheim, where you may try it at your leisure.