Mathäus Funk also spelled Matthäus Funk (German pronunciation: [mataːʊs funk]; 18 April 1697 - 24 September 1783) was a Swiss ebonist and cabinet maker who was primarily active in Bern, Switzerland. Many of his furniture pieces were featured in notable auctions like Lempertz or Sotheby's.[1][2]
Mathäus Funk | |
|---|---|
 Funk portrayed by John Webber, c. 1770 | |
| Born | Mathäus Funk 18 April 1697 |
| Died | 24 September 1783 (aged 86) |
| Occupation(s) | Cabinet maker, ebonist |
| Era | Baroque |
| Spouse |
Maria Magdalena Wäber
(m. 1725) |
| Children | 1 |
| Relatives | John Webber (nephew-in-law) |
Life
edit
Funk was born 18 April 1697 in Murten, Old Swiss Confederacy, to German-born Johann Lorenz Funk, a postal carrier, and Anna Margarita Funk (née Sergant). He completed an apprenticeship as cabinet maker followed by journeyman years learning the ebonist trade.[3]
He took-up residency in Bern on 23 November 1724. Since 1725 he was married to Maria Magdalena Wäber, who hailed from an old, well-established Bernese family. They had one son, Daniel Funk, who became a watch maker. After the death his sister-in-law, Rosina Wäber, managed the household. Another brother of his wife, Abraham Wäber, emigrated to England. His nephew-in-law, John Webber, became the expedition painter of James Cook.[4][5][6]
References
edit- ^ https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2008/important-french-continental-furniture-european-ceramics-clocks-l08310/lot.183.html
- ^ "Mathäus Funk - Sell & Buy Works, prices, biography". www.lempertz.com. Retrieved 2023-12-04.
- ^ Funk, Mathäus (by Anne-Marie Dubler) https://hls-dhs-dss.ch/de/articles/046704/2005-07-26/
- ^ "Funk". Furthof Antikmöbel GmbH (in German). Retrieved 2023-12-04.
- ^ "Funk, Matthäus | SIK-ISEA Recherche". recherche.sik-isea.ch. Retrieved 2023-12-04.
- ^ "KOMMODE : Louis XV, Bern, um 1750/60 (Mathäus Funk 1697-1783) (Dobiaschofsky Auktionen AG)". www.dobiaschofsky.com. Retrieved 2023-12-04.